Light emitting display apparatus and multi-screen light emitting display apparatus including the same

ABSTRACT

A light emitting display apparatus includes a substrate configured to include a display area, a planarization layer disposed over the display area, a groove line disposed along a periphery portion of the substrate and configured to surround a lateral surface of the planarization layer, a dam configured to surround the groove line, a light emitting device layer configured to include a self-emitting device disposed over the planarization layer, the groove line, and the dam, and an encapsulation layer configured to include an organic encapsulation layer disposed over an encapsulation region surrounded by the dam, the organic encapsulation layer is configured to be filled in the groove line and is configured to surround a lateral surface of the light emitting device layer and the lateral surface of the planarization layer, and the self-emitting device is configured to be isolated at each of the groove line and the dam.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0189782 filed on Dec. 31, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a light emitting display apparatus and a multi-screen light emitting display apparatus including the same.

Description of the Related Art

Light emitting display apparatuses which are self-emitting light emitting display apparatuses, do not need a separate light source unlike liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatuses, and thus, they may be manufactured to be lightweight and thin. Also, light emitting display apparatuses are driven with a low voltage and thus is reduced in power consumption. Further, light emitting display apparatuses are good in color implementation, response time, viewing angle, and contrast ratio, and thus, are attracting much attention as the next-generation light emitting display apparatuses.

Light emitting display apparatuses display an image based on the light emission of a light emitting device layer including a light emitting device interposed between two electrodes. In this case, light emitted by the light emitting device is discharged to the outside through an electrode and a substrate.

Light emitting display apparatuses include a display panel which is implemented to display an image. The display panel may include a display area which includes a plurality of pixels for displaying an image, an encapsulation layer which includes an organic encapsulation layer disposed in the display area, a dam which prevents the spread of the encapsulation layer, and a bezel area which surrounds the display area.

A light emitting display apparatus of the related art may need a bezel (or a mechanism) for occluding a bezel area disposed at a periphery portion of a display panel, and due to a width of the bezel, a bezel width may increase. Also, in a case where the bezel width of the light emitting display apparatus is largely reduced, the reliability of the display panel may decrease due to a degradation in a light emitting device caused by the penetration of water (or moisture), and due to the non-filling or overflow of an organic encapsulation layer, the reliability of the display panel may be reduced.

Recently, multi-screen light emitting display apparatuses have been commercialized where a large screen is implemented by arranging the light emitting display apparatuses as a lattice type or a matrix type.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The inventors of the present disclosure have appreciated that in a multi-screen light emitting display apparatus of the related art, a boundary portion such as a seam is formed between adjacent light emitting display apparatuses due to a bezel area or a bezel of each of a plurality of light emitting display apparatuses. The boundary portion may cause a sense of discontinuity (or non-continuously) of an image when one image is being displayed on a total screen of the multi-screen light emitting display apparatus, and due to this, the immersion of a viewer watching the image may be reduced. Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to providing a light emitting display apparatus and a multi-screen display apparatus including the same that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art including the above problem identified by the inventors.

An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a light emitting display apparatus and a multi-screen display apparatus including the same, which have a zero-bezel width and prevent a reduction in reliability of a light emitting display panel caused by the penetration of water (or moisture).

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a light emitting display apparatus and a multi-screen display apparatus including the same, which have a zero-bezel width, prevent a reduction in reliability of a light emitting display panel caused by the penetration of water (or moisture), and prevent the non-filling or overflow of an organic encapsulation layer.

The technical advantages of the disclosure may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages, as embodied and broadly described herein, a light emitting display apparatus includes a substrate configured to include a display area, a planarization layer disposed over the display area, a groove line disposed along a periphery portion of the substrate and configured to surround a lateral surface of the planarization layer, a dam configured to surround the groove line, a light emitting device layer configured to include a self-emitting device disposed over the planarization layer, the groove line, and the dam, and an encapsulation layer configured to include an organic encapsulation layer disposed over an encapsulation region surrounded by the dam, the organic encapsulation layer is configured to be filled in the groove line and is configured to surround a lateral surface of the light emitting device layer and the lateral surface of the planarization layer, and the self-emitting device is configured to be isolated at each of the groove line and the dam.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-screen light emitting display apparatus includes a plurality of display devices disposed along at least one direction of a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction, each of the plurality of display devices includes a light emitting display apparatus, and the light emitting display apparatus includes a substrate configured to include a display area, a planarization layer disposed over the display area, a groove line disposed along a periphery portion of the substrate and configured to surround a lateral surface of the planarization layer, a dam configured to surround the groove line, a light emitting device layer configured to include a self-emitting device disposed over the planarization layer, the groove line, and the dam, and an encapsulation layer configured to include an organic encapsulation layer disposed over an encapsulation region surrounded by the dam, the organic encapsulation layer is configured to be filled in the groove line and is configured to surround a lateral surface of the light emitting device layer and the lateral surface of the planarization layer, and the self-emitting device is configured to be isolated at each of the groove line and the dam.

Specific details according to various examples of the present specification other than the means for solving the above-mentioned problems are included in the description and drawings below.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a light emitting display apparatus and a multi-screen display apparatus including the same, which have a thin bezel width and prevent a reduction in reliability caused by the penetration of water (or moisture), may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a light emitting display apparatus and a multi-screen display apparatus including the same, which have a zero-bezel width, prevent a reduction in reliability of a light emitting display panel caused by the penetration of water (or moisture), and prevent the non-filling or overflow of an organic encapsulation layer, may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-screen display apparatus for displaying an image without a sense of discontinuity may be provided.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present disclosure are examples and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosure as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating one pixel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating one pixel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating one pixel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a region ‘A’ illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating one subpixel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a gate driving circuit illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a rear surface of a light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a rear surface of a light emitting display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a region ‘B’ illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a region ‘C’ illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a region ‘D’ illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a microscope photograph of the undercut area of the passivation layer illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a microscope photograph of the undercut area of the passivation layer illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a multi-screen display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III′ illustrated in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when a detailed description of well-known functions or configurations related to this document is determined to unnecessarily cloud a gist of the inventive concept, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. The progression of processing steps and/or operations described is an example; however, the sequence of steps and/or operations is not limited to that set forth herein and may be changed as is known in the art, with the exception of steps and/or operations necessarily occurring in a particular order. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout. Names of the respective elements used in the following explanations are selected only for convenience of writing the specification and may be thus different from those used in actual products.

Advantages and features of the present disclosure, and implementation methods thereof will be clarified through following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

A shape, a size, a ratio, an angle, and a number disclosed in the drawings for describing embodiments of the present disclosure are merely an example, and thus, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the illustrated details. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, when the detailed description of the relevant known function or configuration is determined to unnecessarily obscure the important point of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. In a case where ‘comprise,’ ‘have,’ and ‘include’ described in the present specification are used, another part may be added unless ‘only˜’ is used. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless referred to the contrary.

In construing an element, the element is construed as including an error range although there is no explicit description.

In describing a position relationship, for example, when a position relation between two parts is described as “on,” “over,” “under,” and “next,” one or more other parts may be disposed between the two parts unless a more limiting term, such as “just” or “direct(ly)” is used.

In describing a time relationship, for example, when the temporal order is described as, for example, “after,” “subsequent,” “next,” and “before,” a case which is not continuous may be included unless a more limiting term, such as “just,” “immediate(ly),” or “direct(ly)” is used.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In describing the elements of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. Such terms are used for merely discriminating the corresponding elements from other elements and the corresponding elements are not limited in their essence, sequence, or precedence by the terms. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. Also, it should be understood that when one element is disposed on or under another element, this may denote a case where the elements are disposed to directly contact each other, but may denote that the elements are disposed without directly contacting each other.

The term “at least one” should be understood as including any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. For example, the meaning of “at least one of a first element, a second element, and a third element” denotes the combination of all elements proposed from two or more of the first element, the second element, and the third element as well as the first element, the second element, or the third element.

The term “surround” as used herein includes at least partially surrounding as well as entirely surrounding one or more of the associated elements. Similarly, the term “cover” as used herein includes at least partially covering as well as entirely covering one or more of the associated elements. For example, if an encapsulation layer surrounds a dam, this may be construed as the encapsulation layer at least partially surrounding the dam. However, in some embodiments, the encapsulation layer may entirely surround the dam. The meaning in which the term “surround” is used herein may be further specified based on the associated drawings and embodiments. In the present disclosure, the terms “surround,” “at least partially surround,” “completely surround” or the like is used. In accordance with the definition of “surround” as set forth above, when only the term “surround” is used in an embodiment, it may mean either at least partially surrounding or entirely surrounding one or more of the associated elements. The same applies for the term “cover.”

Features of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or overall coupled to or combined with each other, and may be variously inter-operated with each other and driven technically as those skilled in the art may sufficiently understand. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be carried out independently from each other, or may be carried out together with in co-dependent relationship.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In adding reference numerals to elements of each of the drawings, although the same elements are illustrated in other drawings, like reference numerals may refer to like elements. Also, for convenience of description, a scale of each of elements illustrated in the accompanying drawings differs from a real scale, and thus, is not limited to a scale illustrated in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the light emitting display apparatus (or a display panel) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure 10 may include a substrate 100 including a display area AA, a plurality of pixels P in the display area AA of the substrate 100, and a dam 104.

The substrate 100 may be referred to as a first substrate, a base substrate, or a pixel array substrate. The substrate 100 may be a glass substrate, or may be a thin glass substrate or a plastic substrate, which is bendable or flexible.

The display area AA of the substrate 100 may be an area which displays an image and may be referred to as an active portion, an active area, a display portion, or a display portion. A size of the display area AA may be the same as or substantially the same as the substrate 100 (or the light emitting display apparatus or the display panel). For example, the size of the display area AA may be the same as the total size of the first surface of the substrate 100. The size can be considered in one embodiment an area that is defined in terms of the length and the width of a structure, such as the display area or the substrate. Therefore, the display area AA may be implemented (or disposed) on the whole front surface of the substrate 100, even to the very edges, and thus, the substrate 100 will not include an opaque non-display portion along a periphery portion (or an edge portion) of the first surface that would otherwise surround all of the display area AA. Accordingly, a whole front surface of the light emitting display apparatus may implement the display area AA. In this embodiment, the display area and the substrate area are the same size and shape. Namely, they have the same width and length as each other.

An end portion (or an outermost portion) of the display area AA may overlap or may be substantially aligned with the outer surface OS of the substrate 100. For example, with respect to a thickness direction Z of the light emitting display apparatus, a lateral surface (or an end line) of the display area AA may be substantially aligned at a vertical extension line VL (see FIG. 8) vertically extending from the outer surface OS of the substrate 100. The lateral surface of the display area AA may not be surrounded by a separate mechanism and may only be abutting ambient air. For example, all lateral surfaces of the display area AA may be provided in a structure which directly contacts air without being surrounded by a separate mechanism. Therefore, the outer surface OS of the substrate 100 corresponding to the end portion of the display area AA may be surrounded by only air (or abutting ambient air), and thus, the light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have an air-bezel structure or a non-bezel structure (or a zeroized bezel or no bezel) where the end portion (or lateral surface) of the display area AA is surrounded by air instead of an opaque non-display area.

The plurality of pixels P may be arranged (or disposed) at the display area AA of the substrate 100 to have the first interval D1 along a first direction X and a second direction Y. For example, the first direction X may traverse (or intersect or cross) to the second direction Y. The first direction X may be a widthwise direction, a horizontal direction, or a first length direction (for example, a widthwise length direction) of the substrate 100 or the light emitting display apparatus. The second direction Y may be a lengthwise direction, a vertical direction, or a second length direction (for example, a lengthwise length direction) of the substrate 100 or the light emitting display apparatus.

Each of the plurality of pixels P may be implemented on a plurality of pixel areas defined on the display area AA of the substrate 100. Each of the plurality of pixels P may have a first length L1 parallel to the first direction X and a second length L2 parallel to the second direction Y. The first length L1 may be the same as the second length L2 or the first interval D1. The first length L1 and the second length L2 may be the same as the first interval D1. Therefore, the plurality of pixels (or pixel areas) P may all have the same size.

Two pixels P adjacent to each other along the first direction X and the second direction Y may have the same first interval D1 without an error range of a manufacturing process. The first interval D1 may be a pitch (or a pixel pitch) between two adjacent pixels P. For example, the first length L1 or the second length L2 of the pixel P may be referred to as the pixel pitch. For example, the first interval (or the pixel pitch) D1 may be a distance (or a length) between center portions of two adjacent pixels P. For example, the first interval (or the pixel pitch) D1 may be a shortest distance (or a shortest length) between center portions of two adjacent pixels P.

Each of the plurality of pixels P according to an embodiment may be include a circuit layer including a pixel circuit implemented in the pixel area on the substrate 100, and a light emitting device layer disposed at the circuit layer and coupled to the pixel circuit. The pixel circuit outputs a data current corresponding to the data signal in response to the data signal and the scan signal supplied from the pixel driving lines disposed in the pixel area. The light emitting device layer may include a self-emitting device that emits light by the data current supplied from the pixel circuit. The pixel driving lines, the pixel circuit, and the light emitting device layer will be described below.

The plurality of pixels P may be divided (or classified) into outermost pixels Po and internal pixels (or inner pixels) Pi.

The outermost pixels Po may be pixels disposed closest to the outer surface OS of the substrate 100 of the plurality of pixels P.

A second interval D2 between a center portion of each of the outermost pixels Po and the outer surface OS of the substrate 100 may be half or less of the first interval D1. For example, the second interval D2 may be a distance (or a length) between a center portion of the outermost pixel area Po and the outer surface OS of the substrate 100. For example, the second interval D2 may be a shortest distance (or a shortest length) between a center portion of the outermost pixel area Po and the outer surface OS of the first substrate 100.

When the second interval D2 is greater than half of the first interval D1, the substrate 100 may have a greater size than the display area AA by a difference area between half of the first interval D1 and the second interval D2, and thus, an area between the end of the outermost pixel Po and the outer surface OS of the substrate 100 may be configured as a non-display area surrounding all of the display area AA. For example, when the second interval D2 is greater than half of the first interval D1, the substrate 100 may include a bezel area based on a non-display area surrounding all of the display area AA. On the other hand, when the second interval D2 is half or less of the first interval D1, the end of each of the outermost pixels Po may be aligned (or disposed) with the outer surface OS of the substrate 100, or the end portion of the display area AA may be aligned (or disposed) with the outer surface OS of the substrate 100, and thus, the display area AA may be implemented (or disposed) on the whole front surface of the substrate 100.

The internal pixels Pi may be pixels other than the outermost pixels Po among the plurality of pixels P, or may be pixels surrounding by the outermost pixels Po among the plurality of pixels P. The internal pixels (or second pixels) Pi may be implemented to have a configuration or a structure, which differs from the outermost pixels (or first pixels) Po.

The dam 104 may be implemented at a periphery portion of the substrate 100, or may be implemented at a periphery portion of each of outermost pixels Po disposed in the display area AA. For example, the dam 104 may be disposed to have a closed loop line shape (or a closed loop shape) between a center portion of each of the outermost pixels Po and an outer surface OS of the substrate 100. Therefore, the outermost pixel Po may include the dam 104, and thus, may be implemented in a structure or a configuration which differs from an inner pixel Pi including no dam 104.

The dam 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent the spread or overflow of an organic encapsulation layer of an encapsulation layer disposed over a light emitting device layer at the periphery portion of each of the outermost pixels Po. Also, the dam 104 may isolate (or disconnect) at least some layers of the light emitting device layer at the periphery portion of each of the outermost pixels Po, thereby preventing or minimizing a reduction in reliability of the light emitting device layer caused by the lateral penetration of water (or moisture). The damp 104 may include a function of physically isolating at least some layers of the light emitting device layer at a periphery portion of the substrate 100 or the periphery portion of each of the outermost pixels Po, a function of preventing the spread or overflow of the organic encapsulation layer, and a function of preventing the penetration of water (or moisture) in a lateral direction of the substrate 100.

The light emitting display apparatus (or a display panel) 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a groove line GRV.

The groove line GRV may be disposed in a groove region (or a ditch region) defined at an inner region of the dam 104. According to an embodiment, the groove line GRV may be disposed to have a closed loop line shape between a lateral surface of the planarization layer 102 and the dam 104. For example, the groove line GRV may be formed or implemented by removing all elements such as a structure and/or a stepped portion disposed at the groove region of the inner region of the dam 104. For example, the groove line GRV may be implemented to expose the circuit layer disposed between the lateral surface of the planarization layer 102 (See FIG. 8) and the dam 104. Also, the groove line GRV may be implemented to isolate at least some layers of the light emitting device layer disposed in the inner region of the dam 104.

The light emitting display apparatus (or a display panel) 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a barrier structure 105.

The barrier structure 105 may be implemented at a periphery portion of the substrate 100, or may be implemented at a periphery portion of each of outermost pixels Po disposed in the display area AA. For example, the barrier structure 105 may be disposed at the periphery portion of each of the outermost pixels Po to have a closed loop line shape (or a closed loop shape) between the outer surface OS of the substrate 100 and the dam 104. For example, the barrier structure 105 may be disposed at the periphery portion of each of the outermost pixels Po to surround the dam 104. Accordingly, the outermost pixel Po may include the barrier structure 105, and thus, may be implemented to have a structure or a configuration which differs from an inner pixel Pi including no barrier structure 105.

The barrier structure 105 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may isolate (or disconnect) the light emitting device layer at the periphery portion of each of outermost pixels Po to block a lateral water penetration path, thereby preventing or minimizing a reduction in reliability of the light emitting device layer caused by the lateral penetration of water (or moisture).

The barrier structure 105 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of barrier patterns or at least two barrier patterns which are arranged in parallel with one another to have a closed loop line shape (or a closed loop shape) surrounding the dam 104. For example, the barrier structure 105 may include first to third barrier patterns which are arranged in parallel with one another to have a closed loop line shape.

Each of the plurality of barrier patterns according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an undercut structure for isolating (or disconnecting) the light emitting device layer. For example, each of the plurality of barrier patterns may include an undercut area which is implemented by an eaves structure. Accordingly, at least some layers of the light emitting device layer may be physically isolated (or disconnected) by the undercut area of each of the plurality of barrier patterns.

The light emitting display apparatus (or a display panel) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure 10 may further include a pad part 110.

The pad part 110 may be a first pad part or a front pad part. The pad part 110 may include a plurality of first pads to receive a data signal, a gate control signal, a pixel driving power, a reference voltage, and a pixel common voltage, or the like from the driving circuit part.

The pad part 110 may be included within the outmost pixels Po disposed at a first periphery portion of the first surface of the first substrate 100 parallel to the first direction X. That is, the outermost pixels Po disposed at the first periphery portion of the first substrate 100 may include at least one of the plurality of first pads. Therefore, the plurality of first pads may be disposed or included within the display area AA, and thus, a non-display area (or a bezel area) based on the pad part 110 may not be formed or may not be on the first substrate 100. Therefore, the outermost pixel (or first pixels) Po may include the pad part 110, and thus, may be implemented to have a configuration or a structure, which differs from the internal pixel (or second pixels) Pi including no the pad part 110.

For example, when the pad part 110 is not provided within the outermost pixels Po and is disposed between the outermost pixels Po and the outer surface OS of the first substrate 100, the substrate 100 may include a non-display area (or a non-display portion) corresponding to an area where the pad part 110 is provided, and due to the non-display area, the second interval D2 between the outermost pixels Po and the outer surface OS of the substrate 100 may be greater than half of the first interval D1, all of the substrate 100 may not be implemented as the display area AA, and a separate bezel (or a separate structure) for covering the non-display area may be beneficial. On the other hand, the pad part 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed between the outermost pixels Po and the outer surface OS of the substrate 100 to be included within the outermost pixels Po, and thus, a non-display area (or a bezel area) based on the pad part 110 may not be formed or may not be between the outermost pixels Po and the outer surface OS of the substrate 100.

The pad part 110 according to an embodiment may include first pixel driving power pads, first data pads, first reference voltage pads, first gate pads, and first pixel common voltage pads, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The light emitting display apparatus (or a display panel) 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a gate driving circuit 150.

The gate driving circuit 150 may be disposed in the display area AA to supply a scan signal (or a gate signal) to the pixels P disposed on the substrate 100. The gate driving circuit 150 may simultaneously supply the scan signal to pixels P disposed in a horizontal line parallel to the first direction X. For example, the gate driving circuit 150 may supply at least one scan signal to pixels P disposed in one horizontal line through at least one gate line.

The gate driving circuit 150 according to an embodiment may be implemented with a shift register including a plurality of stage circuit units. That is, the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a shift register which is disposed in the display area AA of the substrate 100 to supply the scan signal to the pixel P.

Each of the plurality of stages may include a plurality of branch circuits which are arranged spaced apart from one another in each horizontal line of the substrate 100 in a first direction X. Each of the plurality of branch circuits may include at least one thin film transistor (TFT) (or branch TFT) and may be disposed between two adjacent pixels of one or more pixels P (or a pixel area) in one horizontal line in the first direction X. Each of the plurality of stage circuit units may generate a scan signal through driving of the plurality of branch circuits based on a gate control signal supplied through gate control lines disposed spaced apart from one another between a plurality of pixels P in the display area AA and may supply the scan signal to pixels P arranged in a corresponding horizontal line.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating one pixel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating one pixel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating one pixel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, one pixel (or a unit pixel) P according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4.

The subpixel SP1 may be disposed in a subpixel area of the pixel area PA, the second subpixel SP2 may be disposed in a second subpixel area of the pixel area PA, the third subpixel SP3 may be disposed in a third subpixel area of the pixel area PA, and the fourth subpixel SP4 may be disposed in a fourth subpixel area of the pixel area PA.

The first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 according to an embodiment may be disposed in a 2×2 form or a quad form. The first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 may each include a plurality of emission areas EA1 to EA4 and a plurality of circuit areas CA1 to CA4. For example, the emission areas EA1 to EA4 may be referred to as an opening area, an opening portion, or an emission portion.

The emission areas EA1 to EA4 of each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 may have a uniform quad structure to have a square shape having the same size (or same area). According to an embodiment, each of the emission areas EA1 to EA4 having a uniform quad structure may be disposed close to a center portion CP of the pixel P within a corresponding subpixel area to have a size which is less than each of four equal division regions of the pixel P or may be disposed to be concentrated at the center portion CP of the pixel P. According to another embodiment, each of the emission areas EA1 to EA4 having a uniform quad structure may be disposed at the center portion CP of the corresponding subpixel area to have a size which is less than each of four equal division regions of the pixel P.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2B, each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 according to another embodiment may have a non-uniform quad structure having different sizes. For example, each of the emission areas EA1 to EA4 of each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 may have a non-uniform quad structure having different sizes.

A size of each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 having a non-uniform quad structure may be set based on a resolution, emission efficiency, or image quality. According to another embodiment, when the emission areas EA1 to EA4 have a non-uniform quad structure, among the emission areas EA1 to EA4 of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4, the emission area EA4 of the fourth subpixel SP4 may have a smallest size, and the emission area EA3 of the third subpixel SP3 may have a largest size. For example, each of the emission areas EA1 to EA4 of each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 having a non-uniform quad structure may be disposed to be concentrated around (or near) the center portion CP of the pixel P.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2C, each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 according to another embodiment may have a 1×4 form or a uniform stripe structure. For example, the emission areas EA1 to EA4 of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 may have a 1×4 form or a uniform stripe structure.

The emission areas EA1 to EA4 of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 having the uniform stripe structure may each have a rectangular shape which includes a short side parallel to the first direction X and a long side parallel to the second direction Y.

According to an embodiment, each of the emission areas EA1 to EA4 having the uniform stripe structure may be disposed close to a center portion CP of the pixel P within a corresponding subpixel area to have a size which is less than each of four equal division regions of the pixel P or may be disposed to be concentrated at the center portion of the pixel P.

According to another embodiment, each of the emission areas EA1 to EA4 having the uniform stripe structure may be disposed at center portion CP of the corresponding subpixel area to have a size which is less than each of four equal division regions of the pixel P.

According to another embodiment, each of the emission areas EA1 to EA4 having the uniform stripe structure may be disposed at the whole corresponding subpixel area to have the same size as each of four equal division regions of the pixel P.

Alternatively, each of the emission areas EA1 to EA4 of each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 may have a non-uniform stripe structure having different sizes. According to an embodiment, when the emission areas EA1 to EA4 have a non-uniform stripe structure, among the emission areas EA1 to EA4 of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4, the emission area EA4 of the fourth subpixel SP4 may have a smallest size, and the emission area EA3 of the third subpixel SP3 may have a largest size, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the circuit areas CA1 to CA4 of each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 may be disposed around (or near) a corresponding emission area of the emission areas EA1 to EA4. Each of the circuit areas CA1 to CA4 may include a pixel circuit and pixel driving lines for emitting a corresponding subpixel of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4. For example, the circuit areas CA1 to CA4 may be referred to as a non-emission area, a non-opening area, a non-emission portion, a non-opening portion, or a periphery portion.

Alternatively, in order to increase an aperture ratio of the subpixels SP1 to SP4 corresponding to sizes of the emission areas EA1 to EA4 or decrease the pixel pitch D1 as a resolution of the pixel P is higher, the emission areas EA1 to EA4 of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 may extend to the circuit areas CA1 to CA4 to overlap some or all of the circuit areas CA1 to CA4. For example, since the emission areas EA1 to EA4 of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 have a top emission structure, each of the emission areas EA1 to EA4 may be arranged to overlap the corresponding circuit areas CA1 to CA4. In this case, each of the emission areas EA1 to EA4 may have a size which is equal to or greater than the corresponding circuit areas CA1 to CA4.

In FIGS. 2A to 2C, the first subpixel SP1 may be implemented to emit light of a first color, the second subpixel SP2 may be implemented to emit light of a second color, the third subpixel SP3 may be implemented to emit light of a third color, and the fourth subpixel SP4 may be implemented to emit light of a fourth color. For example, each of the first to fourth colors may be different. As an embodiment, the first color may be red, the second color may be blue, the third color may be white, and the fourth color may be green. As another embodiment, some of the first to fourth colors may be the same. For example, the first color may be red, the second color may be first green, the third color may be second green, and the fourth color may be blue.

Optionally, a white subpixel implemented to emit white light from the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 having a uniform stripe structure or a non-uniform stripe structure may be omitted.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a region ‘A’ illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating one subpixel illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, a substrate 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include pixel driving power lines DL, GL, PL, CVL, RL, and GCL, a plurality of pixels P, a common electrode CE, a plurality of common electrode connection portions CECP, a dam 104, a barrier structure 105, and a pad part 110.

The pixel driving power lines DL, GL, PL, CVL, RL, and GCL may include a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of pixel driving power lines PL, a plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL, a plurality of reference voltage lines RL, and gate control lines GCL.

The plurality of data lines DL may extend long in a second direction Y and may be disposed spaced apart from one another by a predetermined interval in a display area AA of the substrate 100 along the first direction X. For example, in the plurality of data lines DL, an odd-numbered data line DLo may be disposed at a first periphery portion of each of a plurality of pixel areas PA arranged at the substrate 100 along the second direction Y, and an even-numbered data line DLe may be disposed at a second periphery portion of each of the plurality of pixel areas PA arranged at the substrate 100 along the second direction Y, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plurality of gate lines GL may extend long in the first direction X and may be disposed spaced apart from one another by a predetermined interval in the display area AA of the substrate 100 along the second direction Y. For example, an odd-numbered gate line GLo of the plurality of gate lines GL may be disposed at a third periphery portion of each of the plurality of pixel areas PA arranged on the substrate 100 along the first direction X. An even-numbered gate line GLe of the plurality of gate lines GL may be disposed at a fourth periphery portion of each of the plurality of pixel areas PA arranged at the substrate 100 along the first direction X, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plurality of pixel driving power lines PL may extend long in the second direction Y and may be disposed spaced apart from one another by a predetermined interval in the display area AA of the substrate 100 along the first direction X. For example, in the plurality of pixel driving power lines PL, an odd-numbered pixel driving power line PL may be disposed at a first periphery portion of an odd-numbered pixel area PA with respect to the first direction X, and an even-numbered pixel driving power line PL may be disposed at a second periphery portion of an even-numbered pixel area PA with respect to the first direction X, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Two adjacent pixel driving power lines PL of the plurality of pixel driving power lines PL may be coupled to a plurality of power sharing lines PSL disposed in each of pixel areas PA arranged in the second direction Y. For example, the plurality of pixel driving power lines PL may be electrically coupled to one another by the plurality of power sharing lines PSL, and thus, may have a ladder structure or a mesh structure. The plurality of pixel driving power lines PL may have a ladder structure or a mesh structure, and thus, the voltage drop (IR drop) of the pixel driving power caused by a line resistance of each of the plurality of pixel driving power lines PL may be prevented or reduced (in some embodiments, minimized). Accordingly, the light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent or reduce (in some embodiments, minimize) the degradation in image quality caused by a deviation of the pixel driving power supplied to each of the pixels P arranged at the display area AA.

Each of the plurality of power sharing lines PSL may branch from an adjacent pixel driving power line PL in parallel with the first direction X and may be disposed in a middle region of each pixel area PA, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL may extend long in the second direction Y and may be disposed spaced apart from one another by a predetermined interval in the display area AA of the substrate 100 along the first direction X. For example, each of the plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL may be disposed at a first periphery portion of an even-numbered pixel area PA with respect to the first direction X.

The plurality of reference voltage lines RL may extend long in the second direction Y and may be disposed spaced apart from one another by a predetermined interval in the display area AA of the substrate 100 in the first direction X. Each of the plurality of reference voltage lines RL may be disposed in a center region of each of the pixel areas PA arranged in the second direction Y.

Each of the plurality of reference voltage lines RL may be shared by two adjacent subpixels ((SP1, SP2) (SP3, SP4)) in the first direction X in each pixel area PA. Accordingly, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of reference voltage lines RL may include a reference branch line RDL. The reference branch line RDL may branch (or protrude) to the two adjacent subpixels ((SP1, SP2) (SP3, SP4)) in the first direction X in each pixel area PA and may be electrically coupled to the two adjacent subpixels ((SP1, SP2) (SP3, SP4)).

Each of the plurality of gate control lines GCL may extend long in the second direction Y and may be disposed spaced apart from one another by a predetermined interval in the display area AA of the substrate 100 in the first direction X. For example, each of the plurality of gate control lines GCL may be disposed at between the plurality of pixel areas PA or a boundary region between two adjacent pixel areas PA with respect to the first direction X.

Each of the plurality of pixels P may include at least three subpixels. For example, each of the plurality of pixels P may include first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4.

Each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 may include a pixel circuit PC and a light emitting device layer.

The pixel circuit PC according to an embodiment may be disposed in a circuit area of the pixel area PA and may be coupled to a gate line GLo or GLe adjacent thereto, a data line DLo or DLe adjacent thereto, and the pixel driving power line PL. For example, a pixel circuit PC disposed in a subpixel SP1 may be coupled to an odd-numbered data line DLo and an odd-numbered gate line GLo, a pixel circuit PC disposed in a second subpixel SP2 may be coupled to an even-numbered data line DLe and an odd-numbered gate line GLo, a pixel circuit PC disposed in a third subpixel SP3 may be coupled to an odd-numbered data line DLo and an even-numbered gate line GLe, and a pixel circuit PC disposed in a fourth subpixel SP4 may be coupled to an even-numbered data line DLe and an even-numbered gate line GLe.

The pixel circuit PC of each of the first to fourth subpixels SP1 to SP4 may sample a data signal supplied from a corresponding data line DLo or DLe in response to a scan signal supplied from a corresponding gate line GLo or GLe and may control a current flowing from the pixel driving power line PL to the light emitting device layer based on a sampled data signal.

The pixel circuit PC according to an embodiment may include a first switching thin film transistor Tsw1, a second switching thin film transistor Tsw2, a driving thin film transistor Tdr, and a storage capacitor Cst, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In the following description, a thin film transistor may be referred to as a TFT.

The first switching TFT Tsw1 may include a gate electrode coupled to a corresponding gate line GL (GLo or GLe) a first source/drain electrode coupled to a corresponding data line DL (DLo or DLe), and a second source/drain electrode coupled to a gate node n1 of the driving TFT Tdr. The first switching TFT Tsw1 may be turned on by a scan signal supplied through corresponding gate line GL (GLo or GLe) and may transfer a data signal, supplied through corresponding data line DL (DLo or DLe), to the gate node n1 of the driving TFT Tdr.

The second switching TFT Tsw2 may include a gate electrode coupled to a corresponding gate line GL (GLo or GLe) a first source/drain electrode coupled to a source node n2 of the driving TFT Tdr, and a second source/drain electrode coupled to a corresponding reference voltage line RL. The second switching TFT Tsw2 may be turned on by a scan signal supplied through the corresponding gate line GL (GLo or GLe) and may transfer a reference voltage, supplied through the corresponding reference line RL, to the source node n2 of the driving TFT Tdr. For example, the second switching TFT Tsw2 may be turned on simultaneously with the first switching TFT Tsw1.

The storage capacitor Cst may be formed between the gate node n1 and the source node n2 of the driving TFT Tdr. The storage capacitor Cst according to an embodiment may include a first capacitor electrode coupled to the gate node n1 of the driving TFT Tdr, a second capacitor electrode coupled to the source node n2 of the driving TFT Tdr, and a dielectric layer formed in an overlap region between the first capacitor electrode and the second capacitor electrode. The storage capacitor Cst may be charged with a difference voltage between the gate node n1 and the source node n2 of the driving TFT Tdr, and then, may turn on or off the driving TFT Tdr based on a charged voltage thereof.

The driving TFT Tdr may include a gate electrode (or the gate node n1) coupled to the second source/drain electrode of the first switching TFT Tsw1 and the first capacitor electrode of the storage capacitor Cst in common, a first source/drain electrode (or the source node n2) coupled to the first source/drain electrode of the second switching TFT Tsw2, the second capacitor electrode of the storage capacitor Cst, and a pixel electrode PE of the light emitting device layer in common, and a second source/drain electrode (or a drain node) coupled to a corresponding pixel driving power line PL. The driving TFT Tdr may be turned on based on a voltage of the storage capacitor Cst and may control the amount of current flowing from the pixel driving power line PL to the light emitting device layer.

The light emitting device layer may be disposed in an emission area EA of the pixel area PA and electrically coupled to the pixel circuit PC. The light emitting device layer according to an embodiment may a pixel electrode PE electrically coupled to the pixel circuit PC, a common electrode CE electrically coupled to the pixel common voltage line CVL, and a self-emitting device ED interposed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE.

Each of the plurality of common electrode connection portions CECP may be disposed between the plurality of pixels P respectively overlapping the plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL and may electrically couple the common electrode CE to each of the plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL. With respect to the second direction Y, each of the plurality of common electrode connection portions CECP according to an embodiment may be electrically coupled to each of the plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL at a portion between the plurality of the pixels P (or at the boundary between a plurality of pixels P) and may be electrically coupled to a portion of the common electrode CE, and thus, may electrically couple the common electrode CE to each of the plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL. For example, the common electrode CE may be coupled to each of the plurality of common electrode connection portions CECP by a side contact structure corresponding to an undercut structure.

Each of the plurality of common electrode connection portions CECP may be disposed a portion between the plurality of the pixels P to electrically couple the common electrode CE to each of the plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL, and thus, may prevent or reduce (in some embodiments, minimize) the voltage drop (IR drop) of the pixel common voltage caused by a surface resistance of the common electrode CE. Accordingly, the light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent or reduce (in some embodiments, minimize) the degradation in image quality caused by a deviation of the pixel common voltage supplied to each of the pixels P arranged in the display area AA.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of common electrode connection portions CECP may be formed along with a pixel electrode PE having at least two-layer structure so as to be electrically coupled to each of the plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL. Each of the plurality of common electrode connection portions CECP may be coupled to the common electrode CE through a side contact structure having a “(”-shaped cross-sectional structure or a “<”-shaped cross-sectional structure. For example, when each of the plurality of common electrode connection portions CECP is formed of first and second metal layers, each of the plurality of common electrode connection portions CECP may include a side contact structure corresponding to an undercut structure or a tapered structure formed on the lateral surface of the first metal layer by an etching speed difference between the first metal layer and the second metal layer. For example, when each of the plurality of common electrode connection portions CECP is formed of first to third metal layers, each of the plurality of common electrode connection portions CECP may include a side contact structure corresponding to an undercut structure or a tapered structure formed at the lateral surface of the first metal layer and/or the second metal layer by an etching speed difference between the first and second metal layers.

Each of the dam 104, groove line GRV, and the barrier structure 105 may be disposed or implemented at a periphery portion of the outermost pixel Po or the substrate 100 to have a closed loop line shape (or a closed loop shape). This is as described with reference to FIG. 1, and thus, their repetitive descriptions are omitted.

The pad part 110 may be disposed at a first periphery portion of the first surface of the substrate 100 parallel to the first direction X. The pad part 110 may be disposed at a third periphery portion of each of outermost pixel areas PAo disposed at the first periphery portion of the substrate 100. With respect to the second direction Y, an end portion of the pad part 110 may overlap or may be aligned with an end portion of each of the outermost pixel areas PAo. Therefore, the pad part 110 may be included (or disposed) in each of the outermost pixel areas PAo disposed at the first periphery portion of the substrate 100, and thus, a non-display area (or a bezel area) based on the first pad part 110 may not be formed or may not be in the substrate 100.

The pad part 110 may include a plurality of first pads which are disposed in parallel with one another along the first direction X at the first periphery portion of the substrate 100. The plurality of first pads may be divided (or classified) into a first data pads DP, a first gate pads GP, a first pixel driving power pads PPP, a first reference voltage pads RVP, and a first pixel common voltage pads CVP.

Each of the first data pads DP may be individually (or a one-to-one relationship) coupled to one side of each of the plurality of data lines Dlo and DLe disposed at the substrate 100.

Each of the first gate pads GP may be individually (or a one-to-one relationship) coupled to one side of each of the gate control lines GCL disposed at the first substrate 100. The first gate pads GP according to an embodiment may be divided (or classified) into a first start signal pad, a plurality of first shift clock pads, a plurality of first carry clock pads, at least one first gate driving power pad, and at least one first gate common power pad.

Each of the first pixel driving voltage pads PPP may be individually (or a one-to-one relationship) coupled to one side end of each of the plurality of pixel driving power lines PL disposed at the substrate 100. Each of the first reference voltage pads RVP may be individually (or a one-to-one relationship) coupled to one side end of each of the plurality of reference voltage lines RL disposed at the substrate 100. Each of the first pixel common voltage pads CVP may be individually (or a one-to-one relationship) coupled to one side end of each of the plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL disposed at the substrate 100.

The pad part 110 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of pad groups PG which are arranged in the order of a first pixel driving power pad PPP, a first data pad DP, a first reference voltage pad RVP, a first data pad DP, a first gate pad GP, a first pixel common voltage pad CVP, a first data pad DP, a first reference voltage pad RVP, a first data pad DP, and a first pixel driving power pad PPP along the first direction X. Each of the plurality of pad groups PG may be coupled to two adjacent pixels P disposed along the first direction X. For example, the plurality of pad groups PG may include a first pad group PG1 including a first pixel driving power pad PPP, a first data pad DP, a first reference voltage pad RVP, a first data pad DP, and a first gate pad GP continuously disposed in an odd-numbered pixel area PA along the first direction X, and a second pad group PG2 including a first pixel common voltage pad CVP, a first data pad DP, a first reference voltage pad RVP, a first data pad DP, and a first pixel driving power pad PPP continuously disposed in an even-numbered pixel area PA along the first direction X.

The substrate 100 according to an embodiment may further include a plurality of secondary voltage lines SVL and a plurality of secondary line connection portions SLCP. For example, the secondary voltage lines may be referred to as an additional voltage lines or an auxiliary voltage lines, or the like.

Each of the plurality of secondary voltage lines SVL may extend long along the second direction Y and may be disposed adjacent to a corresponding pixel common voltage line CVL of the plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL. Each of the plurality of secondary voltage lines SVL may be electrically coupled to an adjacent pixel common voltage line CVL without being electrically coupled to the pixel common voltage pad CVP and may be supplied with a pixel common voltage through the adjacent pixel common voltage line CVL. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the substrate 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a plurality of line connection patterns LCP which electrically couple a pixel common voltage line CVL and a secondary voltage lines SVL adjacent to each other.

Each of the plurality of line connection patterns LCP may be disposed at the substrate 100 so that the line connection pattern LCP and a pixel common voltage line CVL and a secondary voltage lines SVL adjacent to each other intersect with each other and may electrically couple a pixel common voltage line CVL and a secondary voltage lines SVL adjacent to each other by using a line jumping structure. For example, one side of each of the plurality of line connection patterns LCP may be electrically coupled to a portion of the secondary voltage lines SVL through a first line contact hole formed at an insulation layer over the secondary voltage lines SVL, and the other side of each of the plurality of line connection patterns LCP may be electrically coupled to a portion of the pixel common voltage line CVL through a second line contact hole formed at the insulation layer over the pixel common voltage line CVL.

Each of the plurality of secondary line connection portions SLCP may electrically couple the common electrode CE to each of the plurality of secondary voltage lines SVL at between the plurality of pixels P overlapping each of the plurality of secondary voltage lines SVL. With respect to the second direction Y, each of the plurality of secondary line connection portions SLCP according to an embodiment may be electrically coupled to each of the plurality of secondary voltage lines SVL at a portion between the plurality of pixels P or a boundary region between the plurality of pixels P, and may be electrically coupled to a portion of the common electrode CE, and thus, may electrically couple the common electrode CE to each of the plurality of secondary voltage lines SVL. Therefore, the common electrode CE may be additionally coupled to each of the plurality of secondary voltage lines SVL through the secondary line connection portions SLCP. Accordingly, the light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent or reduce (in some embodiments, minimize) the degradation in image quality caused by a deviation of the pixel common voltage supplied to each of the pixels P arranged in the display area AA. Also, in the light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, although the pixel common voltage pad CVP coupled to each of the plurality of secondary voltage lines SVL is not additionally disposed (or formed), the pixel common voltage may be supplied to each of the plurality of secondary voltage lines SVL through each of the pixel common voltage lines CVL and the plurality of line connection patterns LCP.

The substrate 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an encapsulation layer.

The encapsulation layer may be implemented to surround the light emitting device layer. The encapsulation layer according to an embodiment may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer (or a first encapsulation layer) disposed over the light emitting device layer, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105, a second inorganic encapsulation layer (or a third encapsulation layer) disposed over the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and an organic encapsulation layer (or a second encapsulation layer) interposed between the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer disposed over the light emitting device layer defined by the dam 104.

The organic encapsulation layer may cover a top surface (or an upper surface) of the light emitting device layer and flow toward the end portion of the substrate 100, and the spread (or flow) of the organic encapsulation layer may be blocked by the dam 104. The dam 104 may define or limit a disposition region (or a encapsulation region) of the organic encapsulation layer, moreover, and may block or prevent the spread or overflow of the organic encapsulation layer.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a gate driving circuit illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the gate driving circuit 150 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented (or embedded) within the display area AA of the substrate 100. The gate driving circuit 150 may generate a scan signal based on gate control signals supplied through the pad part 110 and the gate control lines GCL, and sequentially supply the scan signal to the plurality of gate lines GL.

The gate control lines GCL may include a start signal line, a plurality of shift clock lines, at least one gate driving voltage line, and at least one gate common voltage line. The gate control lines GCL may extend long along a second direction Y and may be disposed spaced apart from one another by a predetermined interval in a display area AA of the substrate 100 along the first direction X. For example, the gate control lines GCL may be disposed between at least one or more pixels P along the first direction X.

The gate driving circuit 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented with a shift register including a plurality of stage circuit portions 1501 to 150 m, where m is an integer of 2 or more.

Each of the plurality of stage circuit portions 1501 to 150 m may be individually disposed in each horizontal line of a first surface of the substrate 100 along the first direction X and may be dependently coupled to one another along the second direction Y. Each of the plurality of stage circuit portions 1501 to 150 m may generate a scan signal in a predetermined order in response to gate control signals supplied through the pad part 110 and the gate control lines GCL and may supply the scan signal to a corresponding gate line GL.

Each of the plurality of stage circuit portions 1501 to 150 m according to an embodiment may include a plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n and a branch network 153.

The plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n may be selectively coupled to the lines of the gate control lines GCL through the branch network 153 and may be electrically coupled to one another through the branch network 153. Each of the plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n may generate the scan signal based on a gate control signal supplied through the gate control lines GCL and a voltage of the branch network 153, and may supply the scan signal to a corresponding gate line GL.

Each of the plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n may include at least one TFT (or branch TFT) of a plurality of TFTs configuring one stage circuit portion of the stage circuit portions 1501 to 150 m. Any one branch circuit of the plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n may include a pull-up TFT coupled to the gate line GL. The other branch circuit of the plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n may include a pull-down TFT coupled to the gate line GL.

Each of the plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed at a circuit area between two adjacent pixels P or at a circuit area between at least two adjacent pixels P, in each horizontal line of the substrate 100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, each of the plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n may be disposed at a circuit area (or a boundary region) between at least one or more adjacent pixels P according to the number of TFTs configuring each of the stage circuit portions 1501 to 150 m and the number of pixels P disposed one horizontal line.

The branch network 153 may be disposed at each horizontal line of the substrate 100 and may electrically couple the plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n to each other. The branch network 153 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of control node lines and a plurality of network line.

The plurality of control node lines may be disposed at each horizontal line of the substrate 100 and may be selectively coupled to the plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n in one horizontal line. For example, the plurality of control node lines may be disposed at an upper edge region (or a lower edge region) among pixel areas arranged at each horizontal line of the substrate 100.

The plurality of network line may be selectively coupled to the gate control lines GCL disposed at the substrate 100 and may be selectively coupled to the plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n. For example, the plurality of network line may transfer the gate control signal supplied from the gate control lines GCL to corresponding branch circuits 1511 to 151 n and may transfer a signal between the plurality of branch circuits 1511 to 151 n.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the present embodiment, because the gate driving circuit 150 is disposed within the display area AA of the substrate 100, a second interval D2 between a center portion of the outermost pixel area PAo and the outer surfaces OS of the substrate 100 may be equal to or less than half of a first interval (or a pixel pitch) D1 between adjacent pixel areas PA. For example, when the gate driving circuit 150 is not disposed in the display area AA of the substrate 100 and is disposed at a periphery portion of the substrate 100, the second interval D2 may not be equal to or less than half of the first interval D1. Accordingly, in the light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gate driving circuit 150 may be disposed in the display area AA of the substrate 100, and thus, the second interval D2 may be implemented to be equal to or less than half of the first interval D1, and moreover, the display apparatus may be implemented to have an air bezel structure which has a zeroized bezel or where a bezel area is not provided.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a rear surface of a light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 6, the light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second pad portion 210 disposed at a rear surface (a backside surface) 100 b of the substrate 100.

The second pad portion 210 may be disposed at ab one periphery portion (or a first rear periphery portion) of a rear surface 100 b of the substrate 100 overlapping the pad part 110 disposed at a front surface 100 a of the substrate 100. In the following description of FIG. 6, the pad part 110 which is disposed at a front surface 100 a of the substrate 100 may be referred to as a first pad part 110.

The second pad part 210 may include a plurality of second pads (or routing pads) which are arranged at a certain interval along the first direction X to respectively overlap the pads of the first pad part 110. In the following description of FIG. 6, a pad of the pad part 110 may be referred to as a first pad.

The plurality of second pads may be divided (or classified) into second pixel driving power pads overlapping each of the first pixel driving power pads PPP of the first pad part 110, second data pads overlapping each of the first data pads DP of the first pad part 110, second reference voltage pads overlapping each of the first reference voltage pads RVP of the first pad part 110, second gate pads overlapping each of the first gate pads GP of the first pad part 110, and second pixel common voltage pads overlapping each of the first pixel common voltage pads CVP of the first pad part 110.

The light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include at least one third pad part 230 and a link line part 250 which are disposed over the rear surface 100 b of the substrate 100.

The at least one third pad part 230 (or an input pad part) may be disposed at the rear surface 100 b of the substrate 100. For example, the at least one third pad part 230 may be disposed at a middle portion adjacent to the first periphery portion of the rear surface 100 b of the substrate 100. The at least one third pad part 230 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of third pads (or input pads) which are spaced apart from one another by a certain interval. For example, the at least one third pad part 230 may include third pixel driving power pads, third data pads, third reference voltage pads, third gate pads, and third pixel common voltage pads.

The link line part 250 may include a plurality of link lines disposed between the second pad part 210 and the at least one third pad part 230.

The link line part 250 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of pixel driving power link lines which individually (or a one-to-one relationship) couple the second pixel driving power pads to the third pixel driving power pads, a plurality of data link lines which individually (or a one-to-one relationship) couple the second data pads to the third data pads, a plurality of reference voltage link lines which individually (or a one-to-one relationship) couple the second reference voltage pads to the third reference voltage pads, a plurality of gate link lines which individually (or a one-to-one relationship) couple the second gate pads to the third gate pads, and a plurality of pixel common voltage link lines which individually (or a one-to-one relationship) couple the second pixel common voltage pads to the third pixel common voltage pads.

Each of the plurality of pixel common voltage link lines may include a first common link line 251 and a second common link line 253. The first common link line 251 may be disposed between the second pad part 210 and the at least one third pad part 230 and commonly coupled to the plurality of second pixel common voltage pads. The second common link line 253 may be commonly coupled to the plurality of third pixel common voltage pads and electrically coupled to the first common link line 251. The second common link line 253 may be disposed on a different layer from the first common link line 251 and may be electrically coupled to the first common link line 251 through a via hole. A size of the second common link line 253 may progressively increase in a direction from the third pad part 230 to the periphery portion of the substrate 100 in order to reduce (or minimize) the voltage drop of the pixel common voltage.

The light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a routing portion 400 which is disposed at an outer surface OS of the substrate 100.

The routing portion 400 may be disposed to surround the first pad part 110, the outer surface OS, and the second pad part 210 of the substrate 100.

The routing portion 400 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of routing lines 410. Each of the plurality of routing lines 410 may be disposed at a certain interval along the first direction X, may be formed to surround the first pad part 110, the outer surface OS, and the second pad part 210 of the substrate 100, and may be electrically coupled to each of the first pads of the first pad part 110 and the second pads of the second pad part 210 in one-to-one relationship. According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of routing lines 410 may be formed by a printing process using a conductive paste. According to another embodiment, each of the plurality of routing lines 410 may be formed by a transfer process that transfers the conductive paste pattern to a transfer pad made of a flexible material and transfers the conductive paste pattern transferred to the transfer pad to the routing portion 400. For example, the conductive paste may be an Ag paste, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plurality of routing lines 410 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be divided (classified) into a plurality of pixel power routing lines 411, a plurality of data routing lines 413, a plurality of reference voltage routing lines 415, a plurality of gate routing lines 417, and a plurality of pixel common voltage routing lines 419.

The plurality of pixel power routing lines 411 may be formed to surround the first pad part 110, the outer surface OS, and the second pad part 210, and may be electrically coupled to the plurality of first pixel driving power pads of the first pad part 110 and the plurality of second pixel driving power pads of the second pad part 210 in a one-to-one relationship.

The plurality of data routing lines 413 may be formed to surround the first pad part 110, the outer surface OS, and the second pad part 210, and may be electrically coupled to the plurality of first data pads of the first pad part 110 and the plurality of second data pads of the second pad part 210 in a one-to-one relationship.

The plurality of reference voltage routing lines 415 may be formed to surround the first pad part 110, the outer surface OS, and the second pad part 210, and may be electrically coupled to the plurality of first reference voltage pads of the first pad part 110 and the plurality of second reference voltage pads of the second pad part 210 in a one-to-one relationship.

The plurality of data routing lines 417 may be formed to surround the first pad part 110, the outer surface OS, and the second pad part 210, and may be electrically coupled to the plurality of first gate pads of the first pad part 110 and the plurality of second gate pads of the second pad part 210 in a one-to-one relationship.

The plurality of pixel common voltage routing lines 419 may be formed to surround the first pad part 110, the outer surface OS, and the second pad part 210, and may be electrically coupled to the plurality of first pixel common voltage pads of the first pad part 110 and the plurality of second pixel common voltage pads of the second pad part 210 in a one-to-one relationship.

The display apparatus or the routing portion 400 according to an embodiment of present disclosure may further include an edge coating layer.

The edge coating layer may be implemented to cover the plurality of routing portion 400. The edge coating layer according to an embodiment may be implemented to cover all of the first periphery portion and the first outer surface OS of the substrate 100 as well as the plurality of routing lines 410. The edge coating layer may prevent the corrosion of each of the plurality of routing lines 410 including a metal material or electrical short circuit between the plurality of routing lines 410. Also, the edge coating layer may prevent or reduce (in some embodiments, minimize) the reflection of external light caused by the plurality of routing lines 410 and the first pads of the first pad part 110. The edge coating layer according to an embodiment may include a light blocking material including black ink. For example, the edge coating layer may be an edge protection layer or an edge insulating layer.

The light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a driving circuit part 500.

The driving circuit part 500 may drive (or emit light) the pixels P disposed on the first substrate 100 based on digital video data and a timing synchronization signal supplied from a display driving system to allow the display area AA to display an image corresponding to image data. The driving circuit part 500 may be coupled to the at least one third pad part 230 disposed at the rear surface 100 b of the substrate 100 and may output, to the at least one third pad part 230, a data signal, a gate control signal, and a driving power for driving (or emitting light) the pixels P disposed at the substrate 100.

The driving circuit part 500 according to an embodiment may include a flexible circuit film 510, a driving integrated circuit (IC) 530, a printed circuit board (PCB) 550, a timing controller 570, and a power circuit 590.

The flexible circuit film 510 may be coupled to the at least one third pad part 230 disposed at the rear surface 100 b of the substrate 100.

The driving IC 530 may be mounted on the flexible circuit film 510. The driving IC 530 may receive subpixel data and a data control signal provided from the timing controller 570, and convert the subpixel data into an analog data signal based on the data control signal to supply the analog data signal to a corresponding data line DL. The data signal may be supplied to a corresponding third data pads in the at least one third pad part 230 through the flexible circuit film 510.

The driving IC 530 may sense a characteristic value of a driving TFT disposed in the subpixel SP through the plurality of reference voltage lines RL (or pixel sensing line) disposed at the substrate 100, generate sensing raw data corresponding to a sensing value for each subpixel, and provide the sensing raw data for each subpixel to the timing controller 570.

The PCB 550 may be coupled to the other side periphery portion of the flexible circuit film 510. The PCB 550 may transfer a signal and power between elements of the driving circuit part 500.

The timing controller 570 may be mounted on the PCB 550 and may receive the digital video data and the timing synchronization signal provided from the display driving system through a user connector disposed on the PCB 550. Alternatively, the timing controller 570 may not be mounted on the PCB 550 and may be implemented in the display driving system or may be mounted on a separate control board coupled between the PCB 550 and the display driving system.

The timing controller 570 may align the digital video data based on the timing synchronization signal to generate pixel data matching a pixel arrangement structure disposed in the display area AA and may provide the generated pixel data to the driving IC 530.

The timing controller 570 may generate each of the data control signal and the gate control signal based on the timing synchronization signal, control a driving timing of the driving IC 530 based on the data control signal, and control a driving timing of the gate driving circuit 150 based on the gate control signal. For example, the timing synchronization signal may include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a data enable signal, and a main clock (or a dot clock).

The data control signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a source start pulse, a source shift clock, and a source output signal, or the like. The data control signal may be supplied to the driving IC 530 through the flexible circuit film 510.

The gate control signal according to an embodiment may include a start signal (or a gate start pulse), a plurality of shift clocks, a forward driving signal, and a reverse driving signal. In this case, the plurality of shift clocks may include a plurality of scan clocks where phases thereof are sequentially shifted and a plurality of carry clocks where phases thereof are sequentially shifted. Additionally, the gate control signal according to an embodiment may further include an external sensing line selection signal, an external sensing reset signal, and an external sensing control signal for sensing a characteristic value of the driving TFT disposed in the subpixel SP. The gate control signal may be supplied to the gate driving circuit 150 through the flexible circuit film 510, the at least one third pad part 230, the link line part 250, the second pad part 210, the routing portion 400, the first pad part 110, and gate control limes GCL.

The timing controller 570 may drive each of the driving IC 530 and the gate driving circuit 150 based on an external sensing mode during a predetermined external sensing period, generate compensation data of each subpixel for compensating for a characteristic variation of the driving TFT of each subpixel based on the sensing raw data provided from the driving IC 530, and modulate pixel data of each subpixel based on the generated compensation data of each subpixel. For example, the timing controller 570 may drive each of the driving IC 530 and the gate driving circuit 150 based on the external sensing mode for each external sensing period corresponding to a blank period (or a vertical blank period) of the vertical synchronization signal. For example, the external sensing mode may be performed in a process of powering on the display apparatus, a process of powering off the display apparatus, a process of powering off the display apparatus after being driven for a long time, or a blank period of a frame which is set in real time or periodically.

The timing controller 570 according to an embodiment may store the sensing raw data of each subpixel, provided from the driving IC 530, in a storage circuit based on the external sensing mode. Also, in a display mode, the timing controller 570 may correct pixel data which is to be supplied to each subpixel, based on the sensing raw data stored in the storage circuit and may provide corrected pixel data to the driving IC 530. Here, sensing raw data of each subpixel may include sequential variation information about each of a driving TFT and a self-emitting device, which are disposed in a corresponding subpixel. Therefore, in the external sensing mode, the timing controller 570 may sense a characteristic value (for example, a threshold voltage or mobility) of a driving TFT disposed in each subpixel and based thereon, may correct pixel data which is to be supplied to each subpixel, thereby reducing (in some embodiments, minimizing) or preventing the degradation in image quality caused by a characteristic value deviation of driving TFTs of a plurality of subpixels. The external sensing mode of a display apparatus may be technology known to those skilled in the art, and thus, its detailed description is omitted. For example, the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may sense a characteristic value of the driving TFT disposed in each subpixel P based on a sensing mode disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0093179, 10-2017-0054654, or 10-2018-0002099.

The power circuit 590 may be mounted on the PCB 550 and may generate various source voltages for displaying an image on the pixels P by using an input power supplied from the outside to provide the generated source voltage to a corresponding circuit. For example, the power circuit 590 may generate and output a logic source voltage for driving of each of the timing controller 570 and the driving IC 530, the plurality of reference gamma voltages provided to the driving IC 530, and at least one gate driving power and at least one gate common power for driving of the gate driving circuit 150. Also, the power circuit 590 may generate and output the pixel driving power and the pixel common voltage, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the driving IC 530 may generate and output the pixel driving power and the pixel common voltage based on the plurality of reference gamma voltages.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view illustrating a light emitting display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrates an embodiment where a wiring substrate is additionally provided in the light emitting display apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6.

Referring to FIG. 7, the light emitting display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a substrate 100, a second substrate 200, a coupling member 300, and a routing portion 400.

The substrate 100 may be referred to as a display substrate, a pixel array substrate, an upper substrate, a front substrate, or a base substrate. The substrate 100 may be a glass substrate, or may be a thin glass substrate or a plastic substrate, which is bendable or flexible. In the following description of FIG. 7, the substrate 100 may be referred to as a first substrate 100.

The first substrate 100 may be substantially the same as the substrate 100 of the light emitting display apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, and thus, like reference numerals refer to like elements and their repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

The second substrate 200 may be referred to as a wiring substrate, a line substrate, a link substrate, a lower substrate, a rear substrate, or link glass. The second substrate 200 may be a glass substrate, or may be a thin glass substrate or a plastic substrate, which is bendable or flexible. For example, the second substrate 200 may include the same material as the first substrate 100. A size of the second substrate 200 may be the same as or substantially the same as the first substrate 100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, the size of the second substrate 200 may have a smaller than the first substrate 100. For example, the second substrate 200 may be configured to have the same size as the first substrate 100 in order to maintain or secure the stiffness of the first substrate 100.

The second substrate 200 may include a second pad part 210, at least one third pad part 230, and a link line portion 250. Except for that the second pad part 210, the at least one third pad part 230, and the link line portion 250 are disposed at a rear surface (or a backside surface) 200 b of the second substrate 200, each of the second pad part 210, the at least one third pad part 230, and the link line portion 250 may substantially the same as each of the second pad part 210, the at least one third pad part 230, and the link line portion 250 illustrated in FIG. 6, and thus, like reference numerals refer to like elements and their repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

The second substrate 200 may be coupled (or connected) to a second surface (or a rear surface) of the first substrate 100 by using the coupling member 300. The coupling member 300 may be interposed between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. Thus, the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 may be opposite-bonded to each other by the coupling member 300.

The routing portion 400 may be referred to as a side routing portion, a side wiring portion, a printing wiring portion, or a printing line portion. The routing portion 400 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of routing lines 410 which are disposed at each of a first outer surface (or one surface) OS1 a among the outer surface OS of the first substrate 100 and a first outer surface (or one surface) OS1 b among the outer surface OS of the second substrate 200. Except for that the plurality of routing lines 410 is disposed to surround the first pad part 110 and the first outer surface OS1 a of the first substrate 100 and the second pad portion 210 and the first outer surface OS1 b of the second substrate 100, the routing portion 400 may substantially the same as the routing portion 400 illustrated in FIG. 6, and thus, like reference numerals refer to like elements and their repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

The light emitting display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a driving circuit part 500.

The driving circuit part 500 may include a flexible circuit film 510, a driving integrated circuit (IC) 530, a printed circuit board (PCB) 550, a timing controller 570, and a power circuit 590. Except for that the flexible circuit film 510 is coupled to the at least one third pad part 230 disposed at the rear surface 200 b of the second substrate 200, the driving circuit part 500 having such a configuration may be substantially the same as the driving circuit part 500 illustrated in FIG. 6, and thus, like reference numerals refer to like elements and their repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a region ‘B’ illustrated in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ illustrated in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, a light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first substrate 100, a second substrate 200, a coupling member 300, and a routing portion 400.

The first substrate 100 according to an embodiment may include a circuit layer 101, a passivation layer PAS, a planarization layer 102, a light emitting device layer EDL, a bank BK, a dam 104, a groove line GRV, and an encapsulation layer 106, and may further include a barrier structure 105.

The circuit layer 101 may be disposed over the first substrate 100. The circuit layer 101 may be referred to as a pixel array layer or a TFT array layer.

The circuit layer 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a buffer layer 101 a and a circuit array layer 101 b.

The buffer layer 101 a may prevent materials, such as hydrogen included in the first substrate 100, from being diffused to the circuit array layer 101 b in a high temperature process of a process of manufacturing a TFT. Also, the buffer layer 101 a may prevent external water or moisture from penetrating into the light emitting device layer EDL. The buffer layer 101 a according to an embodiment may include a single-layer structure including one of silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiONx), titanium oxide (TiOx), and aluminum oxide (AlOx) or a stacked structure thereof, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the buffer layer 101 a may include a first buffer layer BL1 which includes SiNx and is disposed on the first substrate 100 and a second buffer layer BL2 which includes SiOx and is disposed on the first buffer layer BL1.

The circuit array layer 101 b may include a pixel circuit PC which includes a driving TFT Tdr disposed at each of a plurality of pixel areas PA over the buffer layer 101 a.

The driving TFT Tdr disposed at a circuit area of the each pixel area PA may include an active layer ACT, a gate insulation layer GI, a gate electrode GE, an interlayer insulation layer 101 c, a first source/drain electrode SD1, and a second source/drain electrode SD2.

The active layer ACT may be disposed over the buffer layer 101 a at each pixel area PA. The active layer ACT may include a channel area, overlapping the gate electrode GE, and a first source/drain area and a second source/drain area parallel to each other between adjacent channel areas. The active layer ACT may have conductivity in a conductivity process, and thus, may directly couple between lines in the display area AA or may be used as a bridge line of a jumping structure which electrically couples lines disposed on different layers.

The gate insulation layer GI may be disposed at the channel area of the active layer ACT. The gate insulation layer GI may insulate the active layer ACT from the gate electrode GE.

The gate electrode GE may be disposed over the gate insulation layer GI and coupled to the gate line. The gate electrode GE may overlap the channel area of the active layer ACT with the gate insulation layer GI therebetween.

The interlayer insulation layer 101 c may be disposed at the first substrate 100 to cover the gate electrode GE and the active layer ACT. The interlayer insulation layer 101 c may electrically insulate (or isolate) the gate electrode GE and the source/drain electrodes SD1 and SD2. For example, the interlayer insulation layer 101 c may be referred to as an insulation layer or a first insulation layer.

The first source/drain electrode SD1 may be disposed on the interlayer insulation layer 101 c overlapping the first source/drain area of the active layer ACT and may be electrically coupled to the first source/drain area of the active layer ACT through a first source/drain contact hole disposed in the interlayer insulation layer 101 c. For example, the first source/drain electrode SD1 may be a source electrode of the driving TFT Tdr, and the first source/drain area of the active layer ACT may be a source area.

The second source/drain electrode SD2 may be disposed on the interlayer insulation layer 101 c overlapping the second source/drain area of the active layer ACT and may be electrically coupled to the second source/drain area of the active layer ACT through a second source/drain contact hole disposed in the interlayer insulation layer 101 c. For example, the second source/drain electrode SD2 may be a drain electrode of the driving TFT Tdr, and the second source/drain area of the active layer ACT may be a drain area.

Each of first and second switching TFT Tsw1 and Tsw2 configuring the pixel circuit PC may be formed together with the driving TFT Tdr, and thus, their repetitive descriptions are omitted.

The circuit layer 101 according to an embodiment may further include a lower metal layer BML which is disposed between the first substrate 100 and the buffer layer 101 a.

The lower metal layer BML may further include a light blocking pattern (or a light blocking layer) LSP which is disposed under (or below) the active layer ACT of each of the TFTs Tdr, Tsw1, and Tsw2 configuring the pixel circuit PC.

The light blocking pattern LSP may be disposed in an island shape between the first substrate 100 and the active layer ACT. The light blocking pattern LSP may block light which is incident on the active layer ACT through the first substrate 100, thereby preventing or reducing (in some embodiments, minimizing) a threshold voltage variation of each TFT caused by external light. Optionally, the light blocking pattern LSP may be electrically coupled to the first source/drain electrode SD1 of a corresponding TFT and thus may act as a lower gate electrode of the corresponding TFT, and in this case, a characteristic variation of each TFT caused by light and a threshold voltage variation of each TFT caused by a bias voltage may be reduced (in some embodiments, minimized) or prevented.

The lower metal layer BML may be used as a line disposed in parallel with each other of the gate line GL, the data line DL, the pixel driving power line PL, the pixel common voltage line CVL, and the reference voltage line RL. For example, the lower metal layer BML may be used as a metal layer (or a line) disposed in parallel to the second direction Y among the pixel driving lines DL, GL, PL, CVL, RL, and GCL disposed at the first substrate 100. Each of the lines that provide signals and/or a voltage to a pixel is consider a pixel driving line. This includes the lines DL, GL, PL, CVL, RL, and GCL.

The passivation layer PAS may be disposed over the first substrate 100 to cover the pixel circuit PC including the driving TFT Tdr. The passivation layer PAS may cover the circuit layer 101 including the driving TFT Tdr disposed at each of the pixel areas PA.

The passivation layer PAS according to an embodiment may be formed of an inorganic material. For example, the passivation layer PAS may include a single-layer structure including one of silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiONx), titanium oxide (TiOx), and aluminum oxide (AlOx) or a stacked structure thereof. For example, the passivation layer PAS may be referred to as a protection layer, a circuit protection layer, a circuit insulation layer, an inorganic insulation layer, a first inorganic insulation layer, or a second insulation layer, or the like.

The planarization layer 102 may be disposed over the first substrate 100 over which the passivation layer PAS is disposed and may provide a flat surface over the passivation layer PAS. The planarization layer 102 may cover the circuit layer 101 including the driving TFT Tdr disposed at each of the plurality of pixel areas PA. For example, the planarization layer 102 may disposed between the interlayer insulation layer 101 c and the passivation layer PAS.

The planarization layer 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed to cover the remaining circuit layer 101 except a periphery portion of the passivation layer PAS disposed at the first substrate 100. For example, the planarization layer 102 may be disposed between the first substrate 100 and the light emitting device layer EDL or disposed under (or below) the light emitting device layer EDL. The planarization layer 102 according to an embodiment may be formed of an organic material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the planarization layer 102 may be formed of an organic material which includes acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide-based resin, polyimide-based resin, or the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The light emitting device layer EDL may be disposed over the planarization layer 102. The light emitting device layer EDL according to an embodiment may include a pixel electrode PE, a self-emitting device ED, and a common electrode CE.

The pixel electrode PE may be referred to as an anode electrode, a reflective electrode, a lower electrode, an anode, or a first electrode, of the self-emitting device ED.

The pixel electrode PE may be disposed over the planarization layer 102 overlapping an emission area EA of each of the plurality of subpixel SP in the first substrate 100. The pixel electrode PE may be patterned in an island shape and disposed in each subpixel SP, and may be electrically coupled to the first source/drain electrode SD1 of the driving TFT Tdr of a corresponding pixel circuit PC. For example, one side of the pixel electrode PE may extend onto the first source/drain electrode SD1 of the driving TFT Tdr and may be electrically coupled to the first source/drain electrode SD1 of the driving TFT Tdr through an electrode contact hole ECH provided in the planarization layer 102.

The pixel electrode PE may include a metal material which is low in work function and is good in reflective efficiency.

The pixel electrode PE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a two-layer structure including a first pixel electrode layer (or a first metal layer) PEL1 and a second pixel electrode layer (or a second metal layer) PEL2. The first and second pixel electrode layers PEL1 and PEL2 may be sequentially deposited on the planarization layer 102 and then simultaneously patterned, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The first pixel electrode layer PEL1 may disposed over the planarization layer 102. The second pixel electrode layer PEL2 may disposed (or stacked) on the first pixel electrode layer PEL1. For example, the first pixel electrode layer PEL1 may act as an adhesive layer corresponding to the planarization layer 102 and may act as a secondary electrode of the self-emitting device ED, and moreover, may include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the second pixel electrode layer PEL2 may act as a reflector and may perform a function of decreasing a resistance of the pixel electrode PE, and moreover, may include one material of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), and a Mo—Ti alloy (MoTi), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the pixel electrode PE may be formed in a two-layer structure of ITO/MoTi or IZO/MoTi.

The pixel electrode PE according to another embodiment may have a three-layer structure including a first pixel electrode layer PEL1, a second pixel electrode layer PEL2 on the first pixel electrode layer PEL1, and a third pixel electrode layer (or a third metal layer) on the second pixel electrode layer PEL2. The first pixel electrode layer PEL1, the second pixel electrode layer PEL2, and the third pixel electrode layer may be sequentially deposited over the planarization layer 102 and then simultaneously patterned, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The third pixel electrode layer may act as an electrode of the self-emitting device ED and may include ITO or IZO. For example, the pixel electrode PE according to another embodiment may be formed in a three-layer structure of IZO/MoTi/ITO or ITO/MoTi/ITO.

The pixel electrode PE according to another embodiment may have a four-layer structure including a first pixel electrode layer PEL1, a second pixel electrode layer PEL2 on the first pixel electrode layer PEL1, a third pixel electrode layer (or a third metal layer) on the second pixel electrode layer PEL2, a fourth pixel electrode layer (or a fourth metal layer) on the third pixel electrode layer. The first to fourth pixel electrode layers may be sequentially deposited over the planarization layer 102 and then simultaneously patterned, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

In the pixel electrode PE of the four-layer structure, the first pixel electrode layer may act as the adhesive layer corresponding to the planarization layer 102 and may act as the secondary electrode of the self-emitting device ED, and moreover, may include one or more material of ITO, Mo, and Mo—Ti. The second pixel electrode layer may act a function of decreasing a resistance of the pixel electrode PE and may include Cu. The third pixel electrode layer may act as a reflector and may include one or more material of Al, Ag, Mo, Ti, and MoTi. The fourth pixel electrode layer may act as an electrode of the self-emitting device ED and may include ITO or IZO. For example, the pixel electrode PE according to another embodiment may be formed in a four-layer structure of ITO/Cu/MoTi/ITO.

The pixel electrode PE according to another embodiment may have a five-layer structure including a first pixel electrode layer made of ITO, a second pixel electrode layer made of MoTi, a third pixel electrode layer made of ITO, a fourth pixel electrode layer made of Ag, and a fifth pixel electrode layer made of ITO.

The self-emitting device ED may be disposed over the first substrate 100. The self-emitting device ED may be formed over the pixel electrode PE and may directly contact the pixel electrode PE. The pixel electrode PE may be disposed under (or below) the self-emitting device ED. For example, the pixel electrode PE may be disposed between the planarization layer 102 and the self-emitting device ED.

The self-emitting device ED according to an embodiment may be a common layer which is formed in common in each of a plurality of subpixels SP so as not to be distinguished by subpixel SP units. The self-emitting device ED may react on a current flowing between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE to emit white light (or blue light). The self-emitting device ED according to an embodiment may include an organic light emitting device, or may include a stacked or a combination structure of an organic light emitting device and a quantum dot light emitting device. For example, the self-emitting device ED according to another embodiment may include an organic light emitting layer, or may include a stacked or a combination structure of an organic light emitting layer and a quantum dot light emitting layer.

The organic light emitting device may include two or more organic light emitting parts for emitting white light (or blue light). For example, the organic light emitting device may include a first organic light emitting part and a second organic light emitting part for emitting white light based on a combination of first light and second light. For example, the first organic light emitting part may include at least one or more of a blue light emitting layer, a green light emitting layer, a red light emitting layer, a yellow light emitting layer, and a yellow-green light emitting layer. The second organic light emitting part may include at least one or more of a blue light emitting layer, a green light emitting layer, a red light emitting layer, a yellow light emitting layer, and a yellow-green light emitting layer for emitting second light which is combined with first light from the first organic light emitting part to generate white light.

The organic light emitting device according to an embodiment may further include at least one or more function layers for enhancing emission efficiency and/or lifetime. For example, the function layer may be disposed upper and/or under a light emitting layer.

The common electrode CE may be disposed over the display area AA of the first substrate 100 and may be electrically coupled to the self-emitting device ED each of the plurality of pixels P. For example, the common electrode CE may be disposed over the remaining display area AA of the first substrate 100 except for the periphery portion of the first substrate 100. For example, the common electrode CE may be disposed over the remaining display area AA of the first substrate 100 except for the first pad part 110 of the first substrate 100.

The common electrode CE may be referred to as a cathode electrode, a transparent electrode, an upper electrode, a cathode, or a second electrode of the self-emitting device ED. The common electrode CE may be formed over the self-emitting device ED and may directly contact the self-emitting device ED or may electrically and directly contact the self-emitting device ED. The common electrode CE can include a transparent conductive material which transmits light emitted from the self-emitting device ED.

The common electrode CE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed in a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure, which includes at least one material of graphene and a transparent conductive material which is relatively high in work function. For example, the common electrode CE may include metal oxide such as ITO or IZO, or may include a combination of oxide and metal such as ZnO:Al or SnO2:Sb.

Additionally, the light emitting device layer EDL may further include a capping layer disposed over the common electrode CE. The capping layer may be disposed over the common electrode CE and may improve the emission efficiency of light by adjusting a refractive index of light emitted from the light emitting device layer EDL.

The bank BK may be disposed over the planarization layer 102 to define the pixel areas PA over the first substrate 100. The bank BK may be disposed over the planarization layer 102 to cover a periphery portion of the pixel electrode PE. The bank BK may define the emission area EA (or an opening portion) of each of the plurality of subpixels SP and may electrically isolate the pixel electrodes PE disposed at adjacent subpixels SP. The bank BK may be formed to cover the electrode contact hole ECH disposed at each of the plurality of pixel areas PA. The bank BK may be covered by the self-emitting device ED of the light emitting device layer EDL. For example, the self-emitting device ED may be disposed over the bank BK as well as over the pixel electrode PE of each of the plurality of subpixels SP.

The bank BK according to an embodiment may be a transparent bank including a transparent material or a black bank (or an opaque bank) including a black pigment.

The dam 104 may be disposed at a periphery portion of the first substrate 100 or a periphery portion of the outermost pixel Po. For example, the dam 104 may be provided as an element of each of the outermost pixels Po disposed at the periphery portion of the first substrate 100, and thus, the outermost pixels Po may have a structure which differs from inner pixels.

The dam 104 may be disposed over the circuit layer 101 at the periphery portion of the first substrate 100 or the periphery portion of the outermost pixel Po to have a closed loop line shape. For example, the dam 104 may be disposed over the circuit layer 101 to have a closed loop line shape surrounding the display area AA and may be supported by the interlayer insulation layer 101 c of the circuit layer 101. For example, the dam 104 may be implemented to be surrounded by the barrier structure 105. Also, the dam 104 may be implemented to isolate the self-emitting device ED disposed at the periphery portion of the first substrate 100 or the periphery portion of each of the outermost pixels Po.

At the periphery portion of the first substrate 100 or the periphery portion of the outermost pixel Po, the dam 104 may include a function of isolating the self-emitting device ED of the light emitting device layer EDL, a function of blocking the spread or overflow of the organic encapsulation layer, and a function of preventing the penetration of water (or moisture) in the lateral direction of the substrate 100. The dam 104 will be described below.

The groove line GRV may be disposed at a groove region (or a ditch region) defined in an inner region of the dam 104. According to an embodiment, the groove line GRV may be disposed over the circuit layer 101 to have a closed loop line shape (or a closed loop shape) between an end of the planarization layer 102 and the dam 104. For example, the groove line GRV may be formed or implemented by removing all of the planarization layer 102 and the passivation layer PAS disposed at the groove region of the inner region of the dam 104. For example, the groove line GRV may be implemented to expose a partial region of interlayer insulation layer 101 c disposed between an end of the planarization layer 102 and the dam 104. Also, the groove line GRV may be implemented to isolate the self-emitting device ED disposed at the periphery portion of the first substrate 100 or the periphery portion of each of the outermost pixels Po. The groove line GRV will be described below.

The barrier structure 105 may be disposed or implemented at a barrier region which is set at the periphery portion of the first substrate 100 or the periphery portion of each of the outermost pixels Po. For example, the barrier structure 105 may be provided as an element of each of the outermost pixels Po disposed at the periphery portion of the first substrate 100, and thus, the outermost pixels Po may have a structure which differs from each of the inner pixels.

The barrier structure 105 may be disposed at the periphery portion of the first substrate 100 or the periphery portion of each of the outermost pixels Po to one-dimensionally have a closed loop line shape. For example, the barrier structure 105 may be disposed over the circuit layer 101 to have a closed loop line shape surrounding the display area AA and may be supported by the interlayer insulation layer 101 c of the circuit layer 101. For example, the barrier structure 105 may be implemented to surround the dam 104. The barrier structure 105 may be implemented to additionally isolate the self-emitting device ED disposed at the periphery portion of each of the outermost pixels Po. The barrier structure 105 may be implemented to prevent the penetration of water (or moisture) in a lateral direction of the first substrate 100 to prevent a degradation in the self-emitting device ED caused by the lateral penetration of water (or moisture). The barrier structure 105 may isolate (or disconnect) the self-emitting device ED of the light emitting device layer EDL at an outer region of the dam 104 at least once, thereby preventing the lateral penetration of water (or moisture).

The barrier structure 105 according to an embodiment may include first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c disposed in parallel with one another over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c. Each of the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c may be disposed at an outer region of the dam 104 and may be surrounded by the dam 104. The barrier structure 105 including the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c will be described below.

The encapsulation layer 106 may be disposed over the remaining portion of the first substrate 100 except for an outermost periphery portion of the first substrate 100 and may be implemented to cover the light emitting device layer EDL. For example, the encapsulation layer 106 may be implemented over the first substrate 100 to surround all of the front surface and lateral surfaces of the light emitting device layer EDL. The encapsulation layer 106 may be implemented to surround all of the front surface and lateral surfaces of the light emitting device layer EDL, and thus, may prevent oxygen or water (or moisture) from penetrating into the light emitting device layer EDL, thereby improving the reliability of the light emitting device layer EDL by oxygen or water (or moisture).

The encapsulation layer 106 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include first to third encapsulation layers 106 a, 106 b, and 106 c.

The first encapsulation layer 106 a may be implemented to prevent oxygen or water (or moisture) from penetrating into the light emitting device layer EDL. The first encapsulation layer 106 a may be disposed over the common electrode CE and may surround the light emitting device layer EDL. Therefore, all of a front surface and lateral surfaces of the light emitting device layer EDL may be surrounded by the first encapsulation layer 106 a.

The first encapsulation layer 106 a may fully surround or seal the light emitting device layer EDL including the self-emitting device ED isolated at the groove line GRV. The first encapsulation layer 106 a may fully surround or seal the light emitting device layer EDL including the self-emitting device ED isolated at each of the groove line GRV and the dam 104. The first encapsulation layer 106 a may fully surround or seal the light emitting device layer EDL including the self-emitting device ED isolated at each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105. For example, when the self-emitting device ED and the common electrode CE is isolated at each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105, the first encapsulation layer 106 a may fully surround or seal each of an isolation surface (or a disconnection surface) of the isolated self-emitting device ED and common electrode CE, thereby fundamentally (or completely) preventing the lateral penetration of water (or moisture).

The first encapsulation layer 106 a according to an embodiment may be a first inorganic encapsulation layer including an inorganic insulating material. For example, the first encapsulation layer 106 a may include a single-layer structure including one of silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiONx), titanium oxide (TiOx), and aluminum oxide (AlOx) or a stacked structure thereof.

The second encapsulation layer 106 b may be implemented over the first encapsulation layer 106 a disposed at an encapsulation region defined by the dam 104 to have a thickness which is relatively thicker than the first encapsulation layer 106 a. The second encapsulation layer 106 b may have a thickness for fully cover particles (or an undesired material or an undesired structure element) which is or may be over the first encapsulation layer 106 a. The second encapsulation layer 106 b may spread to the periphery portion of the first substrate 100 due to a relatively thick thickness, but the spread of the second encapsulation layer 106 b may be blocked by the dam 104.

The second encapsulation layer 106 b according to an embodiment may include an organic material or a liquid organic material. For example, the second encapsulation layer 106 b may include an organic material such as SiOCz acrylic or epoxy-based resin. The second encapsulation layer 106 b may be referred to as a particle cover layer, an organic encapsulation layer, or the like.

According to an embodiment, the second encapsulation layer 106 b may smoothly spread to the dam 104 through the groove line GRV, and thus, a non-filling phenomenon of the second encapsulation layer 106 b may be prevented from occurring at a region adjacent to an inner region of the dam 104. For example, the spread of the second encapsulation layer 106 b may smoothly travel to the dam 104 through the groove line GRV without being hindered by other structures, and thus, the second encapsulation layer 106 b may be completely filled up to the region adjacent to the inner region of the dam 104.

According to an embodiment, when an inner trench structure for isolating the light emitting device layer EDL instead of the groove line GRV is disposed at the inner region of the dam 104, the spread of the second encapsulation layer 106 b may be hindered or blocked by a height and a step height of the inner trench structure and thus may not travel up to the dam 104, and due to this, the non-filling phenomenon of the second encapsulation layer 106 b may occur at the region adjacent to the inner portion of the dam 104.

The third encapsulation layer 106 c may be implemented to primarily prevent oxygen or water (or moisture) from penetrating into the light emitting device layer EDL. The third encapsulation layer 106 c may be implemented to surround all of the second encapsulation layer 106 b disposed at an inner region from the dam 104 and the first encapsulation layer 106 a disposed at an outer region from the dam 104. The third encapsulation layer 106 c according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an inorganic material which is the same as or differs from the first encapsulation layer 106 a.

The light emitting display apparatus or the first substrate 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first margin area MA1, a second margin area MA2, and a third margin area MA3.

The first margin area MA1 may be disposed between the dam 104 and the emission area EA of the outermost pixel P. The first margin area MA1 may have a first width between the dam 104 and an end of the emission area EA (or a bank BK) of the outermost pixel Po, based on a reliability margin of the light emitting device layer EDL based on the lateral penetration of water (or moisture). Accordingly, the dam 104 may be implemented to be apart from the end of the emission area EA by a first width of the first margin area MA1 with respect to a first direction X.

The second margin area MA2 may be disposed between the dam 104 and the outer surface OS of the first substrate 100. The second margin area MA2 may have a second width between the dam 104 and the outer surface OS of the first substrate 100, based on a reliability margin of the light emitting device layer EDL based on the lateral penetration of water (or moisture). Accordingly, the dam 104 may be implemented to be apart from the outer surface OS of the first substrate 100 by a second width of the second margin area MA2 with respect to the first direction X. For example, the second margin area MA2 may be an area including the first pad part 110 and the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c of the barrier structure 105.

The third margin area MA3 may be disposed between the first margin area MA1 and the second margin area MA2. The third margin area MA3 may have a third width corresponding to a width of a lowermost floor surface (or bottom surface) of the dam 104. For example, the third margin area MA3 may be an area including the dam 104.

With respect to the first direction X, a width of each of the first margin area MA1, the second margin area MA2, and the third margin area MA3 may be implemented so that a second interval D2 between a center portion of the outermost pixel Po and the outer surface OS of the first substrate 100 is half or less of a pixel pitch.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, the first substrate 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a first pad part 110.

The first pad part 110 may be disposed at one periphery portion of the first substrate 100 and may be electrically coupled to the pixel driving lines DL, GL, PL, CVL, RL, and GCL in a one-to-one relationship. An insulation layer IL, as shown in FIG. 8 is present over the respective pixel driving lines. The insulation layer IL can be comprised of one or more sublayers that are each electrical insulating layers. For example, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the insulation layer IL may be comprised of passivation layer 101 d, the interlayer insulation layer 101 c, and the buffer layers 101 a.

The first pad part 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of first pads 111 disposed within the circuit layer 101.

The plurality of first pads 111 may be divided (or classified) into first data pads DP, first gate pads GP, first pixel driving power pads PPP, first reference voltage pads RVP, and first pixel common voltage pads CVP.

Each of the plurality of first pads 111 may be disposed over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c and may be electrically coupled to a corresponding line of the pixel driving lines DL, GL, PL, CVL, RL, and GCL through a pad contact hole PCH passing through the interlayer insulation layer 101 c and the buffer layer 101 a. For example, each of the plurality of first pads 111 according to an embodiment may include the same material as a pixel electrode PE and may be together along with the pixel electrode PE. Each of the plurality of first pads 111 according to another embodiment may include the same material as a source/drain electrode of a TFT and may be together along with the source/drain electrode of the TFT.

A portion of each of the plurality of first pads 111 may be exposed over the first substrate 100 through a pad open hole POH formed over the passivation layer PAS. For example, the pad open hole POH may be implemented by a pad open process of removing or opening a portion of the passivation layer PAS overlapping the portion of each of the plurality of first pads 111.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the light emitting display apparatus or the first substrate 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a wavelength conversion layer 107 disposed over the encapsulation layer 106.

The wavelength conversion layer 107 may convert a wavelength of light which is incident thereon from an emission area of each pixel area PA. For example, the wavelength conversion layer 107 may convert white light (or blue light), which is incident thereon from the emission area, into color light corresponding to the subpixel SP or may transmit only color light corresponding to the subpixel SP. For example, the wavelength conversion layer 107 may include at least one among a wavelength conversion member and a color filter layer.

The wavelength conversion layer 107 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of wavelength conversion members 107 a and a protection layer 107 b.

The plurality of wavelength conversion members 107 a may be disposed over the encapsulation layer 106 disposed at the emission area EA of each of the plurality of subpixel SP. For example, each of the plurality of wavelength conversion members 107 a may be implemented to have the same size as or wider than the emission area EA of each subpixel area.

The plurality of wavelength conversion members 107 a according to an embodiment may be divided (or classified) into a red light filter which converts white light into red light, a green light filter which converts white light into green light, and a blue light filter which converts white light into blue light. For example, the red light filter (or a first light filter) may be disposed over the encapsulation layer 106 in the emission area EA of the red subpixel SP, the green light filter (or a second light filter) may be disposed over the encapsulation layer 106 in the emission area EA of the green subpixel SP, and the blue light filter (or a third light filter) may be disposed over the encapsulation layer 106 in the emission area EA of the blue subpixel SP.

The plurality of wavelength conversion members 107 a according to another embodiment may be disposed over the encapsulation layer 106 of each subpixel area. For example, each of the plurality of wavelength conversion members 107 a may be disposed over the encapsulation layer 106 to overlap the entire corresponding subpixel SP.

The plurality of wavelength conversion members 107 a according to another embodiment may be implemented to overlap each other at the encapsulation layer 106 overlapped with the circuit area CA (or the non-emission area) except for the emission area EA of each subpixel SPs. For example, two or more wavelength conversion members 107 a having different colors are disposed at the encapsulation layer 106 overlapping the circuit area CA (or non-emission area) except for the emission area EA of each subpixel SP. The two or more wavelength conversion members 107 a disposed at the encapsulation layer 106 overlapping the circuit area CA (or non-emission area) may act as a function of a light blocking pattern which prevents color mixture between adjacent subpixels SP or between adjacent pixels P.

The protection layer 107 b may be implemented to cover the wavelength conversion members 107 a and to provide a flat surface over the wavelength conversion members 107 a. The protection layer 107 b may be disposed to cover the wavelength conversion members 107 a and the encapsulation layer 106 where the wavelength conversion members 107 a are not disposed. The protection layer 107 b according to an embodiment may include an organic material. Alternatively, the protection layer 107 b may further include a getter material for adsorbing water (or moisture) and/or oxygen.

Optionally, the wavelength conversion layer 107 according to another embodiment may include two or more layers wavelength conversion members 107 a disposed over the encapsulation layer 106 overlapping the circuit area CA (or non-emission area) except for the emission area EA in each subpixel SP. The two or more layers wavelength conversion members 107 a may act as a function of the light blocking pattern.

Alternatively, the wavelength conversion layer 107 may be changed to a wavelength conversion sheet having a sheet form and may be disposed over the encapsulation layer 106. In this case, the wavelength conversion sheet (or a quantum dot sheet) may include the wavelength conversion members 107 a disposed between a pair of films. For example, when the wavelength conversion layer 107 includes a quantum dot which re-emits colored light set in a subpixel SP, the light emitting device layer EDL of a subpixel SP may be implemented to emit white light or blue light.

The light emitting display apparatus or the first substrate 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a functional film 108.

The functional film 108 may be disposed over the wavelength conversion layer 107. For example, the functional film 108 may be coupled to over the wavelength conversion layer 107 by a transparent adhesive member. The functional film 108 according to an embodiment may include at least one of an anti-reflection layer (or an anti-reflection film), a barrier layer (or a barrier film), a touch sensing layer, and a light path control layer (or a light path control film).

The anti-reflection layer may include a circular polarization layer (or a circular polarization film) which prevents external light, reflected by TFTs and/or the pixel driving lines disposed at the substrate 10, from traveling to the outside.

The barrier layer may include a material (for example, a polymer material) which is low in water transmission rate, and may primarily prevent the penetration of water (or moisture) or oxygen.

The touch sensing layer may include a touch electrode layer based on a mutual capacitance method or a self-capacitance method, and may output touch data corresponding to a user's touch through the touch electrode layer.

The light path control layer may include a stacked structure where a high refraction layer and a low refraction layer are alternately stacked and may change a path of light incident from each pixel P to reduce (in some embodiments, minimize) a color shift based on a viewing angle.

The light emitting display apparatus or the first substrate 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a side sealing member 109.

The side sealing member 109 may be formed between the first substrate 100 and the functional film 108 and may cover all of lateral surfaces of the circuit layer 101 and the wavelength conversion layer 107. For example, the side sealing member 109 may cover all of lateral surfaces of each of the circuit layer 101 and the wavelength conversion layer 107 exposed at the outside of the display apparatus, between the functional film 108 and the first substrate 100. Also, the side sealing member 109 may cover a portion of the routing portion 400 coupled to the first pad part 110 of the first substrate 100. The side sealing member 109 may prevent lateral light leakage by light, traveling from an inner portion of the wavelength conversion layer 107 to an outer surface thereof, of light emitted from the self-emitting device ED of each subpixel SP. Particularly, the side sealing member 109 overlapping the first pad part 110 of the first substrate 100 may prevent or reduce (in some embodiments, minimize) the reflection of external light caused by the first pads 111 disposed in the first pad part 110.

Optionally, the side sealing member 109 may further include a getter material for adsorbing water (or moisture) and/or oxygen.

The light emitting display apparatus or the first substrate 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a first chamfer 100 c which is provided at a corner portion between the first surface 100 a and the outer surface OS. The first chamfer 100 c may reduce or minimize the damage of the corner portion of the first substrate 100 caused by a physical impact applied from the outside and may prevent a disconnection of the routing portion 400 caused by the corner portion of the first substrate 100. For example, the first chamfer 100 c may have a 45-degree angle, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The first chamfer 100 c may be implemented by a chamfer process using a cutting wheel, a polishing wheel, a laser, or the like. Accordingly, each of outer surfaces of the pad electrodes 111 of the first pad part 110 disposed to contact the first chamfer 100 c may include an inclined surface which is inclined by an angle corresponding to an angle of the first chamfer 100 c by removing or polishing a corresponding portion thereof along with the corner portion of the first substrate 100 through the chamfer process. For example, when the first chamfer 100 c is formed at an angle of 45 degrees between the outer surface OS and the first surface 100 a of the first substrate 100, the outer surfaces (or one ends) of the pad electrodes 111 of the first pad part 110 may be formed at an angle of 45 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 10, the second substrate 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second pad part 210, at least one third pad part 230, and a link line portion 250, as described with reference to FIG. 7, and thus, their repetitive descriptions are omitted or may be brief.

The second substrate 200 according to an embodiment may include a metal pattern layer and an insulation layer which insulates the metal pattern layer.

The metal pattern layer (or a conductive pattern layer) may include a plurality of metal layers. The metal pattern layer according to an embodiment may include a first metal layer 201, a second metal layer 203, and a third metal layer 205. The insulation layer may include a plurality of insulation layers. For example, the insulation layer may include a first insulation layer 202, a second insulation layer 204, and a third insulation layer 206. The insulation layer may be referred to as a rear insulation layer or a pattern insulation layer.

The first metal layer 201 may be implemented over a rear surface 200 b of a second substrate 200. The first metal layer 201 according to an embodiment may include a first metal pattern. For example, the first metal layer 201 may be referred to as a first link layer or a link line layer.

The first metal pattern according to an embodiment may have a two-layer structure (Cu/MoTi) of Cu and MoTi. The first metal pattern may be used as a link line of the link line part 250, and thus, its repetitive descriptions may be omitted.

The first insulation layer 202 may be implemented over the rear surface 200 b of the second substrate 200 to cover the first metal layer 201. The first insulation layer 202 according to an embodiment may include an inorganic insulating material.

The second metal layer 203 may be implemented over the first insulation layer 202. The second metal layer 203 according to an embodiment may include a second metal pattern. For example, the second metal layer 203 may be referred to as a second link layer, a jumping line layer, or a bridge line layer.

The second metal pattern according to an embodiment may have a two-layer structure (Cu/MoTi) of Cu and MoTi. The second metal pattern may be used as a plurality of gate link lines of a plurality of link lines in the link line part 250, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second metal layer 203 may be used as a jumping line (or a bridge line) for electrically coupling the link lines which are formed of different metal materials on different layers in the link line part 250.

Optionally, a link line (for example, a plurality of first link lines) disposed at the second metal layer 203 may be modified to be disposed at the first metal layer 201, and a link line (for example, a plurality of second link lines) disposed at the first metal layer 201 may be modified to be disposed at the second metal layer 203.

The second insulation layer 204 may be implemented over the rear surface 200 b of the second substrate 200 to cover the second metal layer 203. The second insulation layer 204 according to an embodiment may include an inorganic insulating material.

The third metal layer 205 may be implemented over the second insulation layer 204. The third metal layer 205 according to an embodiment may include a third metal pattern. For example, the third metal layer 205 may be referred to as a third link layer or a pad electrode layer.

The third metal pattern according to an embodiment may have a stacked structure of at least two materials of ITO (or IZO), Mo, Ti, and MoTi. For example, the third metal pattern may have a three-layer structure of any one of ITO/Mo/ITO, ITO/MoTi/ITO, IZO/Mo/ITO, or IZO/MoTi/ITO. The third metal pattern may be used as pads of the second pad part 210. For example, the pads of the second pad part 210 formed of the third metal layer 205 may be electrically coupled to the first metal layer 201 through the pad contact holes formed at the first and second insulating layers 202 and 204.

The third insulation layer 206 may be implemented over the rear surface 200 b of the second substrate 200 to cover the third metal layer 205. The third insulation layer 206 according to an embodiment may include an organic material. For example, the third insulation layer 206 may include an insulating material such as photo acrylic. The third insulation layer 206 may cover the third metal layer 205 to prevent the third metal layer 205 from being exposed at the outside. The third insulation layer 206 may be referred to as an organic insulation layer, a protection layer, a rear protection layer, an organic protection layer, a rear coating layer, or a rear cover layer.

Each of the plurality of second pads disposed at the second pad part 210 may be electrically coupled to a link line of a link line part 250 made of the first metal layer 201 or the second metal layer 203 disposed at the rear surface 200 b of the second substrate 200, through a second pad contact hole disposed at the first and second insulation layers 202 and 204. For example, the second data pad may be electrically coupled to one end of a data link line through the second pad contact hole disposed at the first and second insulation layers 202 and 204.

The coupling member 300 according to an embodiment of present disclosure may be disposed between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. The first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 may be opposite-bonded to each other by the coupling member 300. The coupling member 300 according to an embodiment may be a transparent adhesive member or a double-sided tape including an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). The coupling member 300 according to another embodiment may include a glass fiber.

The coupling member 300 according to an embodiment may be disposed at a whole space between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. For example, all of the second surface 100 b of the first substrate 100 may be coupled to all of one surface of the coupling member 300, and all of a front surface 200 a of the second substrate 200 may be coupled to all of the other surface of the coupling member 300.

The coupling member 300 according to another embodiment may be disposed in a pattern structure between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. For example, the coupling member 300 may have a line pattern structure or a mesh pattern structure. The mesh pattern structure may further include a bent portion which discharges an air bubble, occurring between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 in a process of bonding the first substrate 100 to the second substrate 200, to the outside.

The routing portion 400 according to an embodiment of present disclosure may include the plurality of routing lines 410 electrically coupling the first pad part 110 and the second pad part 210 in one-to-one relationship. This is as described with reference to FIG. 7, and thus, their repetitive descriptions are omitted.

The light emitting display apparatus or the routing portion 400 according to an embodiment of present disclosure may include may further include an edge coating layer 430.

The edge coating layer 430 may be implemented to cover the routing portion 400. The edge coating layer 430 may be implemented to cover the plurality of routing lines 410. For example, the edge coating layer 430 may be an edge protection layer or an edge insulation layer.

The edge coating layer 430 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented to cover all of the first edge portion and the first outer surface OS1 a of the first substrate 100 and the first edge portion and the first outer surface OS1 b of the second substrate 200 as well as the plurality of routing lines 410. The edge coating layer 430 may prevent the corrosion of each of the plurality of routing lines 410 including a metal material or electrical short circuit between the plurality of routing lines 410. Also, the edge coating layer 430 may prevent or reduce (in some embodiments, minimize) the reflection of external light caused by the plurality of routing lines 410 and the first pads 111 of the first pad part 110. As another embodiment, the edge coating layer 430 may implements (or configures) the outermost surface (or sidewall) of the display apparatus (or the display panel), and thus, may include an impact absorbing material (or substance) or a ductile material so as to prevent the damage of an outer surface OS of each of the first and second substrates 100 and 200. As another embodiment, the edge coating layer 430 may include a mixed material of a light blocking material and an impact absorbing material.

According to an embodiment, the edge coating layer 430 may be formed to surround one outer surface OS of each of the first and second substrates 100 and 200 on which the routing portion 400 is disposed.

According to another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10, the edge coating layer 430 may be formed to surround all of the other outer surfaces OS as well as the one outer surface OS of each of the first and second substrates 100 and 200 on which the routing portion 400 is disposed. For example, the edge coating layer 430 may be formed to surround all outer surfaces OS of each of the first and second substrates 100 and 200. In this case, the one outer surface OS (or a first outer surface) of each of the first and second substrates 100 and 200 may be surrounded by the plurality of routing lines 410 and the edge coating layer 430. The other outer surfaces OS (or second to fourth outer surfaces), except the one outer surface OS, of each of the first and second substrates 100 and 200 may be surrounded by only the edge coating layer 430. For example, the first outer surface of each of the first and second substrates 100 and 200 may include the plurality of routing lines 410 and the edge coating layer 430, and the second to fourth outer surfaces, except the first outer surface, of each of the first and second substrates 100 and 200 may include only the edge coating layer 430.

According to an embodiment, when the plurality of routing lines 410 and the edge coating layer 430 disposed at the first outer surface are referred to as a first sidewall structure, and the edge coating layer 430 disposed at the second to fourth outer surfaces are referred to as a second sidewall structure, the first sidewall structure and the second sidewall structure may have different thicknesses (or widths). For example, a thickness (or a width) of the second sidewall structure may be thinner or narrower than a thickness (or a width) of the first sidewall structure by a thickness of the plurality of routing lines 410.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a region ‘C’ illustrated in FIG. 8 and is a diagram for describing the groove line, the dam, and the barrier structure illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 10, and 11, a groove line GRV according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed or formed to have a closed loop line shape at the first margin area MA1 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100.

The groove line GRV according to an embodiment may correspond to a region from which all structures in a spread path, through which the encapsulation layer 106 spreads to the dam 104, has been removed. The groove line GRV may be a region from which all of a single structure or a multi-layer structure, including at least one of the passivation layer PAS, the planarization layer 102, the pixel electrode material layer, and the bank BK disposed over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c near an inner region of the dam 104, have been removed. For example, the groove line GRV may be formed or implemented by patterning (or removing) the passivation layer PAS and the planarization layer 102 disposed at the first margin area MA1 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100. Accordingly, the groove line GRV may define a lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and may have a closed loop line shape (or a closed loop shape) surrounding the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102.

According to an embodiment, the groove line GRV may be formed by patterning (or removing) the passivation layer PAS and the planarization layer 102 on the interlayer insulation layer 101 c, and thus, an uppermost surface (or a surface) of the interlayer insulation layer 101 c may be exposed. For example, the groove line GRV may include a primary groove line, which is formed over the passivation layer PAS by a patterning process of patterning the planarization layer 102 for forming an electrode contact hole ECH of a TFT, and a secondary groove line which is formed over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c by a patterning process of patterning the passivation layer PAS disposed at the primary groove line. The interlayer insulation layer 101 c may be exposed between an end 102 e of the planarization layer 102 and the dam 104 by the groove line GRV, and thus, a bottom surface of the groove line GRV may be implemented. For example, the groove line GRV may have a width which is wider than or equal to the dam 104.

One side of the groove line GRV may define the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and a lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS disposed over the first substrate 100 or over the display area AA. For example, each of the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS may be exposed to implement one sidewall of the groove line GRV.

According to an embodiment, the lateral end 102 e of the planarization layer 102 may protrude from the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS toward a center portion (or the dam 104) of the groove line GRV. For example, a distance between the lateral end 102 e of the planarization layer 102 and the outer surface OS of the first substrate 100 may be less than a distance between the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS and the outer surface OS of the first substrate 100. A distance between the lateral end 102 e of the planarization layer 102 and the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS may be greater than a thickness obtained by summating a thickness of the self-emitting device ED and a thickness of the common electrode CE. Therefore, a periphery portion of the planarization layer 102 including the lateral surface 102 s and the lateral end 102 e of the planarization layer 102 may cover the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS and may directly face a top surface of the interlayer insulation layer 101 c. Accordingly, the periphery portion of the planarization layer 102 may have an eaves structure with respect to the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS.

According to an embodiment, the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. For example, an included angle between the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS and the interlayer insulation layer 101 c may be an acute angle. Therefore, the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS may have an undercut structure with respect to the periphery portion of the planarization layer 102. For example, a lateral upper portion of the passivation layer PAS or a boundary portion between the passivation layer PAS and the planarization layer 102 disposed at one side of the groove line GRV may have an undercut structure with respect to the planarization layer 102. Based on the undercut structure, an undercut area UCA may be implemented between the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS and the planarization layer 102, and the undercut area UCA may be a structure for isolating (or disconnecting) the periphery portion of the planarization layer 102 and at least some layers of the light emitting device layer EDL disposed over the groove line GRV. For example, the undercut area UCA between the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS and the planarization layer 102 may be formed or implemented by an over-etching process performed on the passivation layer PAS.

The dam 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed or formed to have a closed loop line shape at the third margin MA3 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100. The dam 104 may surround the groove line GRV, and thus, may form or implement the other side of the groove line GRV. Accordingly, the groove line GRV may be formed to have a width, which is relatively wider than the dam 104, between the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and the dam 104.

The dam 104 according to an embodiment may be disposed over the circuit layer 101 of the third margin area MA3 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100. For example, the dam 104 may be formed or implemented by a patterning process performed on the passivation layer PAS, the planarization layer 102, and the bank BK disposed over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c. The dam 104 may prevent the spread or overflow of the second encapsulation layer 106 b (or an organic encapsulation layer) of the encapsulation layer 106 and may isolate (or disconnect) some layers of the light emitting device layer EDL.

The dam 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first dam pattern 104 a, a second dam pattern 104 b, and a third dam pattern 104 c.

The first dam pattern 104 a may be disposed over the circuit layer 101 of the third margin area MA3 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100.

The first dam pattern 104 a according to an embodiment may include an inorganic insulating material. For example, the first dam pattern 104 a may include the same material as the passivation layer PAS. The first dam pattern 104 a may be implemented in a single-layer structure of the passivation layer PAS. In this case, the first dam pattern 104 a may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of the passivation layer PAS which remains over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the passivation layer PAS disposed over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c of the third margin area MA3.

The first dam pattern 104 a according to another embodiment may be implemented in a stack structure of the passivation layer PAS and the interlayer insulation layer 101 c. In this case, the first dam pattern 104 a may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of each of the passivation layer PAS and the interlayer insulation layer 101 c which remains over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the passivation layer PAS and the interlayer insulation layer 101 c disposed over the buffer layer 101 a of the third margin area MA3.

The lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 a according to an embodiment may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. A lower surface of the first dam pattern 104 a may be in direct contact with an upper surface (or surface) of the interlayer insulation layer 101 c. The upper surface of the first dam pattern 104 a may be disposed over the lower surface of the first dam pattern 104 a and may have a narrower width than the lower surface. The lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 a may be formed to be inclined between an upper surface and the lower surface thereof. In the first dam pattern 104 a, an included angle between the lower surface and the lateral surface may be an acute angle, and an included angle between the upper surface and the lateral surface may be an obtuse angle. For example, the cross-section of the first dam pattern 104 a taken along the width direction may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional structure in which an upper side is narrower than a lower side.

The second dam pattern 104 b may be disposed over the first dam pattern 104 a.

The second dam pattern 104 b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an organic insulating material. For example, the second dam pattern 104 b may include the same material as the planarization layer 102. For example, the second dam pattern 104 b may have the same height (or thickness) as the planarization layer 102, or may have a height which is higher than the planarization layer 102. For example, a height (or thickness) of the second dam pattern 104 b may be two times a height (or thickness) of the planarization layer 102. The second dam pattern 104 b may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of the planarization layer 102 which remains without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the planarization layer 102.

The second dam pattern 104 b according to an embodiment may have a width which is wider than the upper surface of the first dam pattern 104 a. The second dam pattern 104 b may have a width which is wider than or equal to the lower surface of the first dam pattern 104 a. The lateral surface of the second dam pattern 104 b may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. For example, the cross-section of the second dam pattern 104 b taken along the width direction may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional structure which is the same as the first dam pattern 104 a. With respect to a widthwise direction, each of one periphery portion and the other periphery portion of the second dam pattern 104 b may protrude to the outside of the lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 b. For example, a distance between a lateral end of the second dam pattern 104 b and a lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 a may be greater than a thickness obtained by summating a thickness of the self-emitting device ED and a thickness of the common electrode CE.

According to an embodiment, the lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 a may have an undercut structure with respect to the second dam pattern 104 b. For example, the dam 104 may include an undercut area UCA which is disposed at a boundary portion between the first dam pattern 104 a and the second dam pattern 104 b or on an upper lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 a. The undercut area UCA between the first dam pattern 104 a and the second dam pattern 104 b may be a structure for isolating (or disconnecting) at least some layers of the light emitting device layer EDL disposed over the dam 104. For example, the undercut area UCA between the first dam pattern 104 a and the second dam pattern 104 b may be formed or implemented by an over-etching process performed on the passivation layer PAS. The second dam pattern 104 b may protrude to the outside of a lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 a based on an undercut structure of the first dam pattern 104 a, and thus, may cover the lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 a. Accordingly, the second dam pattern 104 b may have an eaves structure with respect to the first dam pattern 104 a.

The third dam pattern 104 c may be disposed over the second dam pattern 104 b. The third dam pattern 104 c may have a width which is less than or equal to an upper surface of the second dam pattern 104 b. A lateral surface of the third dam pattern 104 c may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. For example, the third dam pattern 104 c taken along a widthwise direction may have a cross-sectional structure having the same trapezoid shape as the second dam pattern 104 b.

The third dam pattern 104 c according to an embodiment may include an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. For example, the third dam pattern 104 c may be stacked over the second dam pattern 104 b and may include the same material as the bank BK. The third dam pattern 104 c may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of the bank BK which remains over the second dam pattern 104 b without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the bank BK.

The barrier structure 105 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed over the circuit layer 101 of the first substrate 100 or the second margin area MA2 of the outermost pixel Po. The barrier structure 105 may be implemented over the circuit layer 101 to surround the dam 104. For example, the barrier structure 105 may be implemented in the form of a closed loop line shape over the circuit layer 101 to surround the dam 104 in one-dimensionally.

The barrier structure 105 according to an embodiment may include at least one barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c implemented in parallel with one another to have a closed loop line shape. For example, the barrier structure 105 may include first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c. Each of the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c may be disposed at an outer region of the dam 104 and may be disposed in parallel with one another to surround the dam 104. An interval between the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c may be greater than a thickness obtained by summating a thickness of the self-emitting device ED and a thickness of the common electrode CE.

Each of the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c according to an embodiment may include a first barrier pattern BP1, a second barrier pattern BP2, and a third barrier pattern BP3.

The first barrier pattern BP1 may be disposed to have a closed loop line shape over the circuit layer 101 of the second margin area MA2 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100.

The first barrier pattern BP1 according to an embodiment may be implemented in a single-layer structure of the passivation layer PAS. In this case, the first barrier pattern BP1 may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of the passivation layer PAS which remains over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the passivation layer PAS disposed over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c of the second margin area MA2.

The first barrier pattern BP1 according to another embodiment may be implemented in a stack structure of the passivation layer PAS and the interlayer insulation layer 101 c. In this case, the first barrier pattern BP1 may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of each of the passivation layer PAS and the interlayer insulation layer 101 c, which remains over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the passivation layer PAS and the interlayer insulation layer 101 c disposed over the buffer layer 101 a of the second margin area MA2.

A lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BP1 according to an embodiment may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. For example, a cross-sectional surface of the first barrier pattern BP1 taken along a widthwise direction may have a cross-sectional structure having a trapezoid shape where an upper side is narrower than a lower side. Except for that the first barrier pattern BP1 has a width which is less than the first dam pattern 104 a, the first barrier pattern BP1 may have the same structure as the first dam pattern 104 a and may be formed together with the first dam pattern 104 a, and thus, their repetitive descriptions are omitted. The first barrier pattern BP1 may have a width which is less than the first dam pattern 104 a.

The second barrier pattern BP2 may be disposed in a plate shape including a metal layer on the first barrier pattern BP1. The second barrier pattern BP2 according to an embodiment may include a metal layer having an at least two-layer structure which is the same as the pixel electrode PE. For example, the second barrier pattern BP2 may include a first metal layer, which is formed together with a first pixel electrode layer of the pixel electrode PE and directly contacts an upper surface of the first barrier pattern BP1, and a second metal layer which is formed together with a second pixel electrode layer of the pixel electrode PE and is formed (or stacked) over the first metal layer. The second barrier pattern BP2 may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of a pixel electrode material which remains over the first barrier pattern BP1 without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the pixel electrode PE.

The second barrier pattern BP2 according to an embodiment may be disposed in a plate shape having a width which is wider than an upper surface of the first barrier pattern BP1. With respect to a widthwise direction, each of one periphery portion and the other periphery portion of the second barrier pattern BP2 may protrude to the outside of a lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BP1. For example, a distance between a lateral end of the second barrier pattern BP2 and a lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BP1 may be greater than a thickness obtained by summating a thickness of the self-emitting device ED and a thickness of the common electrode CE. For example, a periphery portion of the second barrier pattern BP2 protruding to the outside of the lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BP1 may be referred to as a protrusion tip.

A lateral surface of the second barrier pattern BP2 according to another embodiment may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. For example, a cross-sectional surface of the second barrier pattern BP2 taken along a widthwise direction may have a trapezoid shape which is the same as the first barrier pattern BP1 taken along a widthwise direction. With respect to a widthwise direction, each of one periphery portion and the other periphery portion of the second barrier pattern BP2 may protrude to the outside of the lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BP1. For example, a distance between a lateral end of the second barrier pattern BP2 and a lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BP1 may be greater than a thickness obtained by summating a thickness of the self-emitting device ED and a thickness of the common electrode CE.

According to an embodiment, the lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BP1 may have an undercut structure with respect to the second barrier pattern BP12. For example, the barrier structure 105 may include an undercut area UCA which is disposed at a boundary portion between the first barrier pattern BP1 and the second barrier pattern BP2 or over an upper lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BP1. The undercut area UCA between the first barrier pattern BP1 and the second barrier pattern BP2 may be a structure for isolating (or disconnecting) at least some layers of the light emitting device layer disposed over the barrier structure 105. For example, the undercut area UCA between the first barrier pattern BP1 and the second barrier pattern BP2 may be formed or implemented by an over-etching process performed on the passivation layer PAS. The second barrier pattern BP2 may protrude to the outside of a lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BP1 based on an undercut structure of the first barrier pattern BP1, and thus, may cover the lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BP1. Accordingly, the second barrier pattern BP2 may have an eaves structure with respect to the first barrier pattern BP1.

The third barrier pattern BP3 may be disposed over the second barrier pattern BP2. The third barrier pattern BP3 may have a width which is less than or equal to an upper surface of the second barrier pattern BP2. A lateral surface of the third barrier pattern BP3 may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. For example, the third barrier pattern BP3 taken along a widthwise direction may have a cross-sectional structure having the same trapezoid shape as the second barrier pattern BP2.

The third barrier pattern BP3 according to an embodiment may include an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. For example, the third barrier pattern BP3 may be stacked over the second barrier pattern BP2 and may include the same material as the bank BK. The third barrier pattern BP3 may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of the bank BK which remains over the second barrier pattern BP2 without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the bank BK together with the dam pattern 104 c of the dam 104.

According to an embodiment, the undercut area UCA between the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS and the planarization layer 102 may be referred to as a first undercut area, a first eaves area, or the like. The first dam pattern 104 a may be referred to as an undercut structure, a first undercut structure, or the like. The second dam pattern 104 b may be referred to as an eaves structure, a protrusion tip structure, a first eaves structure, a first protrusion tip structure, or the like. The undercut area UCA between the first dam pattern 104 a and the second dam pattern 104 b may be referred to as a second undercut area, a second eaves area, or the like. The first barrier pattern BP1 may be referred to as a trench structure, a trench pattern, a taper structure, a taper pattern, an undercut structure, a second undercut structure, or the like. The second barrier pattern BP2 may be referred to as an eaves structure, a protrusion tip structure, a second eaves structure, a second protrusion tip structure, or the like. The undercut area UCA between the first barrier pattern BP1 and the second barrier pattern BP2 may be referred to as a third undercut area, a third eaves area, or the like.

Each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed or implemented after a process of forming the bank BK and before a process of forming the self-emitting device ELD and may isolate (or disconnect) the self-emitting device ED in a process of forming (or depositing) the self-emitting device ED.

According to an embodiment, a material layer of the self-emitting device ED disposed on the groove line GRV and the periphery portion of the planarization layer 102 may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) in performing a deposition process, based on the undercut area UCA (or an eaves structure) between the lateral end 102 e of the planarization layer 102 and the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS. For example, a deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may have linearity, and thus, may not be deposited over the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS covered (or occluded) by the lateral end 102 e of the planarization layer 102 and may be deposited over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c in the groove line GRV and the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS, whereby the deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may be isolated (or disconnected) at the undercut area UCA between the lateral end 102 e of the planarization layer 102 and the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS. Accordingly, the self-emitting device ED may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) at the groove line GRV in performing the deposition process.

According to an embodiment, a material layer of the self-emitting device ED disposed over the dam 104 may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) in performing the deposition process, based on an undercut area UCA (or an eaves structure) between the first dam pattern 104 a and the second dam pattern 104 b. For example, the deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may have linearity, and thus, may not be deposited over a lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 a covered (or occluded) by the second dam pattern 104 b and may be deposited over an upper surface and a lateral surface of the dam 104 and the interlayer insulation layer 101 c near the dam 104, whereby the deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may be isolated (or disconnected) at the undercut area UCA between the first dam pattern 104 a and the second dam pattern 104 b. Accordingly, the self-emitting device ED may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) at the dam 104 in performing the deposition process.

According to an embodiment, the material layer of the self-emitting device ED disposed over the barrier structure 105 may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) in performing the deposition process, based on the undercut area UCA (or an eaves structure) between the first barrier pattern BP1 and the second barrier pattern BP2 of each of the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c. For example, the deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may have linearity, and thus, may not be deposited over a lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BP1 covered (or occluded) by the second barrier pattern BP2 of each of the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c and may be deposited over an upper surface and a lateral surface of each of the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c and the interlayer insulation layer 101 c between the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c, whereby the deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may be isolated (or disconnected) at the undercut area UCA between the first barrier pattern BP1 and the second barrier pattern BP2. Accordingly, the self-emitting device ED may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) at each of the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c of the barrier structure 105 in performing the deposition process.

According to an embodiment, the self-emitting device ED disposed at a periphery portion of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100 may be isolated (or disconnected) at least three times by each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105, and an isolated self-emitting device EDi may be formed in an island shape on an upper surface (or a top surface) of each of an interlayer insulation layer 101 c disposed over the groove line GRV, an interlayer insulation layer 101 c between the dam 104 and the barrier structure 105, and an interlayer insulation layer 101 c between the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c of the barrier structure 105.

According to an embodiment, the self-emitting device ED disposed at the periphery portion of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100 may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) by each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105 in performing a deposition process, and thus, a separate patterning process for isolating (or disconnecting) the self-emitting device ED disposed at the periphery portion of the first substrate 100 may be omitted for preventing the lateral penetration of water (or moisture).

According to an embodiment, a lateral water penetration path of the first substrate 100 may be blocked by an undercut area UCA of each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105.

Optionally, a common electrode CE disposed over a self-emitting device pattern EDi isolated by each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105 may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) by an eaves structure or an undercut area 105 b of each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105 based on an eaves structure or the undercut area UCA of each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105 and/or a deposition process, or may be formed to surround the self-emitting device pattern EDi which is continued without being isolated by the undercut area 105 b (or an eaves structure) of the barrier structure 105 and is disposed in an island shape over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c. For example, the common electrode CE may directly contact an upper surface (or a top surface) of the interlayer insulation layer 101 c at each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105, and thus, may seal a boundary portion between the interlayer insulation layer 101 c and each of the self-emitting device ED and the self-emitting device pattern EDi, thereby preventing or blocking the lateral penetration of water (or moisture) through the boundary portion between the interlayer insulation layer 101 c and each of the self-emitting device ED and the self-emitting device pattern EDi.

According to an embodiment, the second encapsulation layer 106 b (or an organic encapsulation layer) formed at an encapsulation region of the display area AA defined by the dam 104 may spread toward the groove line GRV surrounding the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and may wholly surround the light emitting device layer EDL disposed over the upper surface and the lateral surface of the planarization layer 102. The spread of the second encapsulation layer 106 b may smoothly travel up to the dam 104 through the groove line GRV, and thus, the second encapsulation layer 106 b may be completely filled up to a region adjacent to an inner region of the dam 104. Also, the spread of the second encapsulation layer 106 b may be finally blocked by the second dam pattern 104 b and the third dam pattern 104 c of the dam 104, and thus, the dam 104 may block or prevent the overflow of the second encapsulation layer 106 b. Accordingly, the damp 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a function of physically isolating the light emitting device layer, a function of preventing the spread or overflow of the organic encapsulation layer 106 b, and a function of preventing the penetration of water (or moisture) in the lateral direction of the substrate 100.

As described above, in the light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the spread of the second encapsulation layer 106 b may smoothly travel up to the dam 104 through a groove line GEV disposed between the end of the planarization layer 102 and the dam 104, and thus, a non-filling phenomenon of the second encapsulation layer 106 b occurring in a region adjacent to the inner region of the dam 104 may be prevented or reduced (in some embodiments, minimized). Also, in the light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dam 104 disposed at the periphery portion of the first substrate 100 (or the outermost pixel) may include a function of isolating the self-emitting device ED, a function of blocking the spread or overflow of the organic encapsulation layer, and a function of preventing the penetration of water (or moisture), thereby preventing a reduction in reliability of the self-emitting device ED caused by the lateral penetration of water (or moisture). As the dam 104 are disposed at the periphery portions of the outermost pixels, the light emitting display apparatus may prevent a reduction in reliability of the self-emitting device ED caused by the lateral penetration of water (or moisture) and may have an air bezel structure which does not include a bezel area or has a zeroized bezel.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the second barrier pattern BP2 having a metal layer which is disposed in at least one of the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c of the barrier structure 105 may be electrically connected to at least one pixel common voltage line CVL through a via hole VH formed in the first barrier pattern BP1. For example, the via hole VH may be formed to sequentially pass through the passivation layer PAS, the interlayer insulation layer 101 c, and the buffer layer 101 a which are disposed at an intersection portion between the pixel common voltage line CVL and the second barrier pattern BP2 having a closed loop line shape. Therefore, the second barrier pattern BP2 disposed in at least one of the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c may be electrically connected to the at least one pixel common voltage line CVL through a corresponding via hole VH. Accordingly, the second barrier pattern BP2 may form an equivalent potential along with the plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL and may primarily block static electricity flowing from the outside to an inner portion of the display area AA to prevent a defect caused by static electricity. For example, the second barrier pattern BP2 disposed in at least one of the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c may discharge static electricity, flowing in from the outside, to the pixel common voltage line CVL to prevent a defect caused by static electricity.

FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view taken along line II-II illustrated in FIG. 7, and FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a region ‘D’ illustrated in FIG. 12. The drawings illustrate an embodiment implemented by modifying each of a groove line, a dam, and a barrier structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12. In the following description, therefore, each of the groove line, the dam, and the barrier structure and elements relevant thereto are referred to by like reference numerals, and thus, their repetitive descriptions are omitted or will be briefly given. An enlarged view of a region ‘B’ illustrated in FIG. 12 is illustrated in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 12 to 14, a light emitting display apparatus or a first substrate 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an auxiliary insulation layer 103 disposed between the light emitting device layer EDL and the planarization layer 102.

The auxiliary insulation layer 103 may include an electrode contact hole overlapping the electrode contact hole ECH formed at the planarization layer 102. The electrode contact hole ECH may be formed by a patterning process of each of the planarization layer 102 and the auxiliary insulation layer 103 overlapping the portion of the first source/drain electrode SD1 of the driving TFT Tdr.

Additionally, among the auxiliary insulation layer 103, the remaining auxiliary insulation layer 103 except for a periphery portion of the first substrate 100 or a periphery portion of the outermost pixels Po may be removed. For example, the auxiliary insulation layer 103 may have a closed loop line shape only at the periphery portion of the first substrate 100 or the periphery portion of the outermost pixels Po. For example, the auxiliary insulation layer 103 may be disposed only over the first to third margin areas MA1, MA2, and MA3 of the first substrate 100.

The auxiliary insulation layer 103 according to an embodiment may be formed of an inorganic insulating material. For example, the auxiliary insulation layer 103 may include a single-layer structure including one of silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiONx), titanium oxide (TiOx), and aluminum oxide (AlOx) or a stacked structure thereof. The auxiliary insulation layer 103 may be referred to as an inorganic insulation layer, a second inorganic insulation layer, a third insulation layer, an additional insulation layer, or the like.

The auxiliary insulation layer 103 may be disposed over the planarization layer 102. The auxiliary insulation layer 103 may directly contact an upper surface (or a top surface) of the planarization layer 102, may be supported by the planarization layer 102, and may support the bank BK. For example, the auxiliary insulation layer 103 disposed at the other display area AA except the periphery portion of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100 may be disposed between the planarization layer 102 and the pixel electrode PE and may be disposed between the bank BK and the planarization layer 102. Accordingly, the auxiliary insulation layer 103 may be disposed between the planarization layer 102 and each of the light emitting device layer EDL and the bank BK.

The groove line GRV according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed or formed to have a closed loop line shape at the first margin area MA1 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100.

The groove line GRV according to an embodiment may correspond to a region from which all structures in a spread path, through which the encapsulation layer 106 spreads to the dam 104, has been removed. The groove line GRV may be a region from which all of a single structure or a multi-layer structure, including at least one of the planarization layer 102, the auxiliary insulation layer 103, the pixel electrode material layer, and the bank BK disposed near an inner region of the dam 104, have been removed. The groove line GRV may be implemented to expose the passivation layer PAS disposed at the first margin area MA1 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100. For example, the groove line GRV may be formed or implemented by patterning (or removing) the planarization layer 102, the auxiliary insulation layer 103, the pixel electrode material layer, and the bank BK disposed over the passivation layer PAS of the first margin area MA1. Accordingly, the groove line GRV may define a lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and may have a closed loop line shape surrounding the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102.

According to an embodiment, the groove line GRV may be formed by patterning (or removing) each of the passivation layer PAS, the planarization layer 102, and the auxiliary insulation layer 103, and thus, an uppermost surface (or a topmost surface) of the passivation layer PAS may be exposed. For example, the groove line GRV may include a primary groove line, which is formed over the passivation layer PAS by a patterning process of patterning the planarization layer 102 for forming an electrode contact hole ECH of a TFT, and a secondary groove line which is formed over the passivation layer PAS by a patterning process of patterning the auxiliary insulation layer 103 disposed at the primary groove line. The passivation layer PAS may be exposed between an end 102 e of the planarization layer 102 and the dam 104 by the groove line GRV, and thus, a bottom surface of the groove line GRV may be implemented. For example, the groove line GRV may have a width which is wider than or equal to the dam 104.

One side of the groove line GRV may define the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 disposed over the first substrate 100 or the display area AA and may have a closed loop line shape which surrounds the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102. For example, each of the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 may be exposed at the groove line GRV to implement one sidewall of the groove line GRV.

According to an embodiment, an end of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 disposed over the planarization layer 102 may protrude from the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 toward a center portion (or the dam 104) of the groove line GRV. For example, a distance between the end of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 and the outer surface OS of the first substrate 100 may be less than a distance between the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and the outer surface OS of the first substrate 100. A distance between the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and the end of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 may be greater than a thickness obtained by summating a thickness of the self-emitting device ED and a thickness of the common electrode CE. Therefore, a periphery portion 103 e of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 including an end of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 may cover the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and may directly face an upper surface of the passivation layer PAS. Accordingly, the periphery portion 103 e of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 may have an eaves structure with respect to the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102. For example, the periphery portion 103 e of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 may be referred to as a protrusion tip or a first protrusion tip.

According to an embodiment, the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. For example, an included angle between the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and the passivation layer PAS may be an acute angle. Therefore, the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 may have an undercut structure with respect to the protrusion tip 103 e of the auxiliary insulation layer 103. For example, a lateral upper portion of the planarization layer 102 disposed at one side of the groove line GRV may have an undercut structure with respect to the auxiliary insulation layer 103. Based on the undercut structure, an undercut area UCA may be implemented between the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and the auxiliary insulation layer 103, and the undercut area UCA may be a structure for isolating (or disconnecting) at least some layers of the light emitting device layer EDL disposed over the groove line GRV and the protrusion tip 103 e of the auxiliary insulation layer 103. For example, the undercut area UCA between the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and the protrusion tip 103 e of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 may be formed or implemented by an over-etching process performed on the planarization layer 102.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a floor surface of the groove line GRV may be implemented as an upper surface (or a top surface) of the interlayer insulation layer 101 c. In this case, the groove line GRV may be a region from which all of a single structure or a multi-layer structure, including at least one of the passivation layer PAS, the planarization layer 102, the pixel electrode material layer, and the bank BK disposed over the interlayer insulation layer 101 c near an inner region of the dam 104, have been removed.

The dam 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed or formed to have a closed loop line shape at the third margin MA3 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100. The dam 104 may surround the groove line GRV, and thus, may form or implement the other side of the groove line GRV. Accordingly, the groove line GRV may be formed to have a width, which is relatively wider than the dam 104, between the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and the dam 104.

The dam 104 according to an embodiment may be disposed over the passivation layer PAS of the third margin area MA3 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100. For example, the dam 104 may be formed or implemented by a patterning process performed on the planarization layer 102 and the bank BK disposed over the passivation layer PAS. The dam 104 may prevent the spread or overflow of the second encapsulation layer 106 b (or an organic encapsulation layer) of the encapsulation layer 106 and may isolate (or disconnect) some layers of the light emitting device layer EDL.

The dam 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first dam pattern 104 d, a second dam pattern 104 e, a third dam pattern 104 f, and a fourth dam pattern 104 g.

The first dam pattern 104 d may be disposed over the passivation layer PAS of the third margin area MA3 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100.

The first dam pattern 104 d according to an embodiment may include an inorganic insulating material. For example, the first dam pattern 104 d may include the same material as the planarization layer 102. For example, the first dam pattern 104 d may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of the planarization layer 102 which remains over the passivation layer PAS without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the planarization layer 102 disposed over the passivation layer PAS of the third margin area MA3.

The first dam pattern 104 d according to an embodiment may include a lower surface (or a bottom surface) which directly contacts the passivation layer PAS, an inclined lateral surface (or a sidewall) which is vertical to the lower surface in a thickness direction Z of the first substrate 100, and an upper surface (or a top surface) which is parallel to the lower surface and directly contacts the second dam pattern 104 e. For example, in the first dam pattern 104 d, a width of the lower surface may be wider than the upper surface, and thus, the lateral surface may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. For example, the first dam pattern 104 d taken along the first direction X may have a cross-sectional structure having a trapezoid shape where an upper side is narrower than a lower side.

The first dam pattern 104 d according to an embodiment may have the same height (or thickness) as the planarization layer 102, or may have a height which is higher than the planarization layer 102. For example, a height (or thickness) of the first dam pattern 104 d may be two times a height (or thickness) of the planarization layer 102.

The second dam pattern 104 e may be disposed over the first dam pattern 104 d.

The second dam pattern 104 e according to an embodiment may include an inorganic insulating material. For example, the second dam pattern 104 e may include the same material as the auxiliary insulation layer 103. For example, the second dam pattern 104 e may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 which remains over the first dam pattern 104 d without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the auxiliary insulation layer 103 over the first dam pattern 104 d.

The second dam pattern 104 e according to an embodiment may have a width which is wider than the upper surface of the first dam pattern 104 d. The second dam pattern 104 e may have a width which is wider than or equal to the upper surface of the first dam pattern 104 d. Therefore, the second dam pattern 104 e may include a protrusion tip (or an isolation tip) 104 t which protrudes to the outside of a lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 d. For example, both periphery portions of the second dam pattern 104 e may protrude to cover or occlude the lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 d to implement the protrusion tip 104 t. For example, a distance between an end of the protrusion tip 104 t of the second dam pattern 104 e and the lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 d may be greater than a thickness obtained summating a thickness of the self-emitting device ED and a thickness of the common electrode CE. For example, the protrusion tip 104 t of the second dam pattern 104 e may be referred to as a second protrusion tip.

According to an embodiment, the lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 d may have an undercut structure with respect to the second dam pattern 104 e. For example, the dam 104 may include an undercut area UCA disposed at an upper lateral surface of the first dam 104 a or a boundary portion between the first dam pattern 104 d and the second dam pattern 104 e. The undercut area UCA between the first dam pattern 104 d and the second dam pattern 104 e may be a structure for isolating (or disconnecting) at least some layers of the light emitting device layer EDL disposed over the dam 104. For example, the undercut area UCA between the first dam pattern 104 d and the second dam pattern 104 e may be formed or implemented by an over-etching process performed on the planarization layer 102. The second dam pattern 104 e may protrude to the outside of the lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 d and may cover the lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 d. Accordingly, the second dam pattern 104 e may have an eaves structure with respect to the first dam pattern 104 d.

The third dam pattern 104 f may be disposed over the second dam pattern 104 e. The third dam pattern 104 f may have a width which is less than or equal to an upper surface of the second dam pattern 104 e. A lateral surface of the third dam pattern 104 f may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. For example, the third dam pattern 104 f taken along a widthwise direction may have a cross-sectional structure having a trapezoid shape which is the same as the second dam pattern 104 e.

The third dam pattern 104 f may include a metal material over the second dam pattern 104 e. The third dam pattern 104 f according to an embodiment may include a metal layer having an at least two-layer structure which is the same as the pixel electrode PE. For example, the third dam pattern 104 f may include a first metal layer which is formed together with a first pixel electrode layer of the pixel electrode PE and directly contacts the upper surface of the second dam pattern 104 e, and a second metal layer which is formed together with a second pixel electrode layer of the pixel electrode PE and is disposed (or stacked) over the first metal layer. The third dam pattern 104 f may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of the pixel electrode material which remains over the second dam pattern 104 e without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the pixel electrode PE.

The fourth dam pattern 104 g may be stacked over the third dam pattern 104 f. The fourth dam pattern 104 g may have a width which is less than or equal to an upper surface of the third dam pattern 104 f A lateral surface of the fourth dam pattern 104 g may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. For example, the fourth dam pattern 104 g taken along a widthwise direction may have a cross-sectional structure having a trapezoid shape which is the same as the third dam pattern 104 f.

The fourth dam pattern 104 g according to an embodiment may include an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. For example, the fourth dam pattern 104 g may be stacked over the third dam pattern 104 f and may include the same material as the bank BK. The fourth dam pattern 104 g may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of the bank BK which remains over the third dam pattern 104 f without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the bank BK. The fourth dam pattern 104 g may prevent etching performed on the second dam pattern 104 e and the third dam pattern 104 f.

The barrier structure 105 according to another embodiment may be disposed over the passivation layer PAS of the second margin area MA2 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100. The barrier structure 105 may be implemented over the passivation layer PAS to surround the dam 104. For example, the barrier structure 105 may be implemented in a closed loop line shape over the passivation layer PAS to one-dimensionally surround the dam 104.

The barrier structure 105 according to another embodiment may include a plurality of barrier pattern portions 105 a and 105 b which are implemented in parallel to have a closed loop line shape. For example, the barrier structure 105 may include first and second barrier pattern portions 105 a and 105 b.

The first and second barrier pattern portions 105 a and 105 b may be disposed at an outer region of the dam 104 and may be disposed in parallel to surround the dam 104. An interval between the first and second barrier pattern portions 105 a and 105 b may be greater than a thickness obtained by summating a thickness of the self-emitting device ED and a thickness of the common electrode CE.

Each of the first and second barrier pattern portions 105 a and 105 b according to an embodiment may include a first barrier pattern BPa and a second barrier pattern BPb.

The first barrier pattern BPa may be disposed to have a closed loop line shape over the passivation layer PAS of the second margin area MA2 of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100.

The first barrier pattern BPa according to an embodiment may include an organic insulating material. For example, the first barrier pattern BPa may include the same material as the planarization layer 102. For example, the first barrier pattern BPa may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of the planarization layer 102 which remains over the passivation layer PAS without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the planarization layer 102 disposed over the passivation layer PAS of the second margin area MA2.

The first barrier pattern BPa according to an embodiment may include a lower surface (or a bottom surface) which directly contacts the passivation layer PAS, an inclined lateral surface (or a sidewall) which is vertical to the lower surface in a thickness direction Z of the first substrate 100, and an upper surface (or a top surface) which is parallel to the bottom surface and directly contacts the second dam pattern 104 e. For example, in the first barrier pattern BPa, a width of the bottom surface may be wider than the upper surface, and thus, the lateral surface may be implemented in an inclined structure or a forward tapered structure. For example, the first barrier pattern BPa taken along the first direction X may have a cross-sectional structure having a trapezoid shape where an upper side is narrower a lower side.

The first barrier pattern BPa according to an embodiment may have the same height (or thickness) as the planarization layer 102, or may have a height which is higher than the planarization layer 102. For example, a height (or thickness) of the first barrier pattern BPa may be two times a height (or thickness) of the planarization layer 102.

The second barrier pattern BPb may be disposed over the first barrier pattern BPa.

The second barrier pattern BPb according to an embodiment may include an inorganic insulating material. For example, the second barrier pattern BPb may include the same material as the auxiliary insulation layer 103. For example, the second barrier pattern BPb may be formed or implemented by a portion (or a non-patterning region) of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 which remains over the first barrier pattern BPa without being patterned (or removed) by a patterning process performed on the auxiliary insulation layer 103 over the first barrier pattern BPa.

The second barrier pattern BPb according to an embodiment may have a width which is wider than the upper surface of the first barrier pattern BPa. The second barrier pattern BPb may have a width which is wider than or equal to the upper surface of the first barrier pattern BPa. Therefore, the second barrier pattern BPb may include a protrusion tip (or an isolation tip) 105 t which protrudes to the outside of a lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BPa. For example, both periphery portions of the second barrier pattern BPb may protrude to cover or occlude the lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BPa to implement the protrusion tip 105 t. For example, a distance between an end of the protrusion tip 105 t of the second barrier pattern BPb and the lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BPa may be greater than a thickness obtained summating a thickness of the self-emitting device ED and a thickness of the common electrode CE. For example, the protrusion tip 105 t of the second barrier pattern BPb may be referred to as a third protrusion tip.

According to an embodiment, the lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BPa may have an undercut structure with respect to the second barrier pattern BPb. For example, the barrier structure 105 may include an undercut area UCA disposed in an upper lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BPa or a boundary portion between the first barrier pattern BPa and the second barrier pattern BPb. The undercut area UCA between the first barrier pattern BPa and the second barrier pattern BPb may be a structure for isolating (or disconnecting) at least some layers of the light emitting device layer EDL disposed over the barrier structure 105. For example, the undercut area UCA between the first barrier pattern BPa and the second barrier pattern BPb may be formed or implemented by an over-etching process performed on the planarization layer 102. The second barrier pattern BPa may protrude to the outside of the lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BPa based on the undercut structure of the first barrier pattern BPa and may cover the lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BPa. Accordingly, the second barrier pattern BPb may have an eaves structure with respect to the first barrier pattern BPa.

According to an embodiment, the undercut area UCA between the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and the protrusion tip 103 e of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 may be referred to as a first undercut area, a first eaves area, or the like. The first dam pattern 104 d may be referred to as an undercut structure, a first undercut structure, or the like. The second dam pattern 104 e may be referred to as an eaves structure, a protrusion tip structure, a first eaves structure, a first protrusion tip structure, or the like. The undercut area UCA between the first dam pattern 104 d and the second dam pattern 104 e may be referred to as a second undercut area, a second eaves area, or the like. The first barrier pattern BPa may be referred to as an undercut structure, a second undercut structure, or the like. The second barrier pattern BPb may be referred to as an eaves structure, a protrusion tip structure, a third eaves structure, a third protrusion tip structure, or the like. The undercut area UCA between the first barrier pattern BPa and the second barrier pattern BPb may be referred to as a third undercut area, a third eaves area, or the like.

Each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed or implemented after a process of forming the bank BK and before a process of forming the self-emitting device ELD and may isolate (or disconnect) the self-emitting device ED in a process of forming (or depositing) the self-emitting device ED.

According to an embodiment, a material layer of the self-emitting device ED disposed over the groove line GRV and the periphery portion of the planarization layer 102 may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) in performing a deposition process, based on the undercut area UCA (or an eaves structure) between the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and the protrusion tip 103 e of the auxiliary insulation layer 103. For example, a deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may have linearity, and thus, may not be deposited on the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 covered (or occluded) by the protrusion tip 103 e of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 and may be deposited over the passivation layer PAS in the groove line GRV and the protrusion tip 103 e of the auxiliary insulation layer 103, whereby the deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may be isolated (or disconnected) at the undercut area UCA between the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and the protrusion tip 103 e of the auxiliary insulation layer 103. Accordingly, the self-emitting device ED may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) at the groove line GRV in performing the deposition process.

According to an embodiment, a material layer of the self-emitting device ED disposed over the dam 104 may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) in performing the deposition process, based on an undercut area UCA (or an eaves structure) between the first dam pattern 104 d and the second dam pattern 104 e. For example, the deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may have linearity, and thus, may not be deposited on a lateral surface of the first dam pattern 104 d covered (or occluded) by the second dam pattern 104 e and may be deposited on an upper surface and a lateral surface of the dam 104 and the passivation layer PAS near the dam 104, whereby the deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may be isolated (or disconnected) in the undercut area UCA between the first dam pattern 104 d and the second dam pattern 104 e. Accordingly, the self-emitting device ED may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) in the dam 104 in performing the deposition process.

According to an embodiment, the material layer of the self-emitting device ED disposed over the barrier structure 105 may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) in performing the deposition process, based on the undercut area UCA (or an eaves structure) between the first barrier pattern BPa and the second barrier pattern BPb of each of the first and second barrier pattern portions 105 a and 105 b. For example, the deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may have linearity, and thus, may not be deposited over a lateral surface of the first barrier pattern BPa covered (or occluded) by the second barrier pattern BPb of each of the first and second barrier pattern portions 105 a and 105 b and may be deposited over an upper surface and a lateral surface of each of the first and second barrier pattern portions 105 a and 105 b and the passivation layer PAS between the first to third barrier pattern portions 105 a, 105 b, and 105 c, whereby the deposition material of the self-emitting device ED may be isolated (or disconnected) at the undercut area UCA between the first barrier pattern BPa and the second barrier pattern BPb. Accordingly, the self-emitting device ED may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) at each of the first and second barrier pattern portions 105 a and 105 b of the barrier structure 105 in performing the deposition process.

According to an embodiment, the self-emitting device ED disposed at a periphery portion of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100 may be isolated (or disconnected) at least three times by each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105, and an isolated self-emitting device EDi may be formed at an island shape over an upper surface (or a top surface) of each of an the passivation layer PAS disposed over the groove line GRV, an passivation layer PAS between the dam 104 and the barrier structure 105, and an passivation layer PAS between the first and second barrier pattern portions 105 a and 105 b of the barrier structure 105.

According to an embodiment, the self-emitting device ED disposed at the periphery portion of the outermost pixel Po or the first substrate 100 may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) by each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105 in performing a deposition process, and thus, a separate patterning process for isolating (or disconnecting) the self-emitting device ED disposed at the periphery portion of the first substrate 100 may be omitted for preventing the lateral penetration of water (or moisture).

According to an embodiment, a lateral water penetration path of the first substrate 100 may be blocked by an undercut area UCA of each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105.

Optionally, a common electrode CE disposed over a self-emitting device pattern EDi isolated by each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105 may be automatically isolated (or disconnected) by an eaves structure or an undercut area 105 b of each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105 based on an eaves structure or the undercut area UCA of each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105 and/or a deposition process, or may be formed to surround the self-emitting device pattern EDi which is continued without being isolated by the undercut area 105 b (or an eaves structure) of the barrier structure 105 and is disposed at an island shape over the passivation layer PAS. For example, the common electrode CE may directly contact an upper surface (or a top surface) of the passivation layer PAS at each of the groove line GRV, the dam 104, and the barrier structure 105, and thus, may seal a boundary portion between the passivation layer PAS and each of the self-emitting device ED and the self-emitting device pattern EDi, thereby preventing or blocking the lateral penetration of water through the boundary portion between the passivation layer PAS and each of the self-emitting device ED and the self-emitting device pattern EDi.

According to an embodiment, the second encapsulation layer 106 b (or an organic encapsulation layer) formed at an encapsulation region of the display area AA defined by the dam 104 may spread toward the groove line GRV surrounding the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 and may wholly surround the light emitting device layer EDL disposed over the upper surface and the lateral surface of the planarization layer 102. The spread of the second encapsulation layer 106 b may smoothly travel up to the dam 104 through the groove line GRV, and thus, the second encapsulation layer 106 b may be completely filled up to a region adjacent to an inner region of the dam 104. Also, the spread of the second encapsulation layer 106 b may be finally blocked by the second dam pattern 104 b and the third dam pattern 104 c of the dam 104, and thus, the dam 104 may block or prevent the overflow of the second encapsulation layer 106 b. Accordingly, the damp 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a function of physically isolating the light emitting device layer, a function of preventing the spread or overflow of the organic encapsulation layer 106 b, and a function of preventing the penetration of water (or moisture) in the lateral direction of the substrate 100.

Additionally, like the second barrier pattern BPb described above with reference to FIG. 3, the third dam pattern 104 f of the dam 104 may be electrically connected to at least one pixel common voltage line CVL through a via hole VH. For example, the via hole VH may be formed to sequentially pass through the second dam pattern 104 e, the first dam pattern 104 d, the passivation layer PAS, the interlayer insulation layer 101 c, and the buffer layer 101 a which are disposed at an intersection portion between the pixel common voltage line CVL and the third dam pattern 104 f having a closed loop line shape. Therefore, the third dam pattern 104 f of the dam 104 may be electrically connected to the at least one pixel common voltage line CVL through a corresponding via hole VH. Accordingly, the third dam pattern 104 f of the dam 104 may form an equivalent potential along with the plurality of pixel common voltage lines CVL and may primarily block static electricity flowing from the outside to an inner portion of the display area AA to prevent a defect caused by static electricity. For example, the third dam pattern 104 f of the dam 104 may discharge static electricity, flowing in from the outside, to the pixel common voltage line CVL to prevent a defect caused by static electricity.

As described above, like the light emitting display apparatus described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, the light emitting display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent or minimize a non-filling phenomenon of the second encapsulation layer 106 b, prevent a reduction in reliability of the self-emitting device ED caused by the lateral penetration water, and prevent a reduction in reliability of the self-emitting device ED caused by the lateral penetration water because the dam 104 is disposed at a periphery portion of each of outermost pixels, and thus, the light emitting display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have an air bezel structure which does not include a bezel area or has a zeroized bezel.

FIG. 15 is a microscope photograph of the undercut area of the passivation layer illustrated in FIG. 11.

As seen in FIG. 15, it may be seen that the end 102 e of the planarization layer 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure protrudes from the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS, and thus, has an eaves structure with respect to the lateral surface PASs of the passivation layer PAS. Accordingly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the protrusion tip of the planarization layer 102 having the eaves structure with respect to the passivation layer PAS may be formed, and thus, a self-emitting device may be automatically isolated through a deposition process performed on a light emitting material without a separate isolation process.

FIG. 16 is a microscope photograph of the undercut area of the passivation layer illustrated in FIG. 11. In FIG. 16, a white layer WL may be a coating layer which is experimentally coated to recognize a cross-sectional structure of the deposition material, and thus, may not correspond to an element of the light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As seen in FIG. 16, it may be seen that the end of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure protrudes from the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102 to form a protrusion tip 103 t, and thus, the protrusion tip 103 t of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 has an eaves structure with respect to the lateral surface 102 s of the planarization layer 102. Accordingly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the protrusion tip 103 t of the auxiliary insulation layer 103 having the eaves structure with respect to the planarization layer 102 may be formed, and thus, a self-emitting device may be automatically isolated through a deposition process performed on a light emitting material without a separate isolation process.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a multi-screen light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III′ illustrated in FIG. 17. FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a multi-screen light emitting display apparatus implemented by tiling the light emitting display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the multi-screen light emitting display apparatus (or a tiling light emitting display apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4.

The plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4 may each display an individual image or may divisionally display one image. Each of the plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4 may include the light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16, and thus, their repetitive descriptions are omitted or will be briefly given.

The plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4 may be tiled on a separate tiling frame to contact each other at a lateral surface thereof. For example, the plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4 may be tiled to have an NxM form, thereby implementing a multi-screen light emitting display apparatus having a large screen. For example, N is a positive integer of 1 or more and M is a positive integer of 2 or more, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, for example, N is a positive integer of 2 or more and M is a positive integer of 1 or more.

Each of the plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4 may not include a bezel area (or a non-display portion) surrounding all of a display area AA where an image is displayed, and may have an air-bezel structure where the display area AA is surrounded by air. For example, in each of the plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4, all of a first surface of a first substrate 100 may be implemented as the display area AA.

According to an embodiment, in each of the plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4, a second interval D2 between a center portion CP of an outermost pixel Po and an outermost outer surface VL of the first substrate 100 may be implemented to be half or less of a first interval D1 (or a pixel pitch) between adjacent pixels. Accordingly, in two adjacent display devices DM1 to DM4 coupled to (or contacting) each other at lateral surfaces thereof along the first direction X and the second direction Y based on a lateral coupling manner, an interval “D2+D2” between adjacent outermost pixel areas PAo may be equal to or less than the first interval D1 between two adjacent pixels. Referring to FIG. 18, in first and third display devices DM1 and DM3 coupled to (or contacting) each other at lateral surfaces thereof along the second direction Y, the interval “D2+D2” between a center portion CP of an outermost pixel Po of the first display device DM1 and a center portion CP of an outermost pixel Po of the third display device DM3 may be equal to or less than the first interval D1 (or a pixel pitch) between two adjacent pixels disposed at each of the first and third display devices DM1 and DM3.

Therefore, the interval “D2+D2” between center portions CP of outermost pixels Po of two adjacent display devices DM1 to DM4 coupled to (or contacting) each other at lateral surfaces thereof along the first direction X and the second direction Y may be equal to or less than the first interval D1 between two adjacent pixels disposed at each of the display devices DM1 to DM4, and thus, there may be no seam or boundary portion between two adjacent display devices DM1 to DM4, whereby there may be no dark area caused by a boundary portion provided between the display devices DM1 to DM4. As a result, the image displayed on the multi-screen display device in which each of the plurality of display devices DM1, DM2, DM3, and DM4 is tiled in an NxM form may be displayed continuously without a sense of disconnection (or discontinuity) at boundary portion between the plurality of display devices DM1, DM2, DM3, and DM4.

In FIGS. 17 and 18, it is illustrated that the plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4 are tiled in a 2×2 form, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4 may be tiled in an x×1 form, a 1×y form, or an x×y form. For example, x and y may be two or more natural numbers equal to or different from each other. For example, x may be two or more natural numbers or equal to y. y may be two or more natural numbers or greater or less than x.

As described above, when display area AA of each of the plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4 is one screen and displays one image, a multi-screen light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may display an image which is not disconnected and is continuous at a boundary portion between the plurality of display devices DM1 to DM4, and thus, the immersion of a viewer watching an image displayed by the multi-screen light emitting display apparatus may be enhanced.

A light emitting display apparatus and multi-screen light emitting display apparatus including the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

A light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a light emitting display apparatus comprises a substrate configured to include a display area, a planarization layer disposed over the display area, a groove line disposed along a periphery portion of the substrate and configured to surround a lateral surface of the planarization layer, a dam configured to surround the groove line, a light emitting device layer configured to include a self-emitting device disposed over the planarization layer, the groove line, and the dam, and an encapsulation layer configured to include an organic encapsulation layer disposed over an encapsulation region surrounded by the dam, the organic encapsulation layer is configured to be filled in the groove line and is configured to surround a lateral surface of the light emitting device layer and the lateral surface of the planarization layer, and the self-emitting device is configured to be isolated at each of the groove line and the dam.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitting display apparatus may further comprise an interlayer insulation layer disposed over the substrate, and a passivation layer disposed between the interlayer insulation layer and the planarization layer, the groove line may be formed by removing all of the passivation layer and the planarization layer disposed over the interlayer insulation layer, and a top surface of the interlayer insulation layer may be a bottom surface of the groove line.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitting display apparatus may further comprise an undercut area formed between the planarization layer and a lateral surface of the passivation layer defining one side of the groove line, the self-emitting device disposed over the planarization layer and the groove line may be isolated by the undercut area.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the dam may comprise a first dam pattern disposed over the interlayer insulation layer, a second dam pattern disposed over the first dam pattern, a third dam pattern disposed over the second dam pattern, and an undercut area formed between the first dam pattern and the second dam pattern, and the self-emitting device disposed over the dam may be isolated by the undercut area.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the first dam pattern may comprise an inorganic insulating material, the second dam pattern may comprise an organic insulating material, and the third dam pattern may comprise an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitting display apparatus may further comprise a barrier structure configured to include at least one barrier pattern portion surrounding the dam, the self-emitting device disposed over the dam may be further isolated by the at least one barrier pattern portion.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one barrier pattern portion may comprise a first barrier pattern disposed over the interlayer insulation layer a second barrier pattern disposed over the first barrier pattern, a third barrier pattern disposed over the second barrier pattern, and an undercut area formed between the first barrier pattern and the second barrier pattern, and the self-emitting device disposed over the barrier structure may be isolated by the undercut area.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the first barrier pattern may comprise an inorganic insulating material, the second barrier pattern may comprise a metal material, and the third barrier pattern may comprise an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitting display apparatus may further comprise a pixel common voltage line electrically connected to a common electrode of the light emitting device layer disposed in the display area, the second barrier pattern may be electrically connected to the pixel common voltage line through a via hole formed at the first barrier pattern and the interlayer insulation layer.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitting display apparatus may further comprise an interlayer insulation layer disposed over the substrate, a passivation layer disposed between the interlayer insulation layer and the planarization layer, and an auxiliary insulation layer disposed between the planarization layer and the light emitting device layer, the groove line may be formed by removing all of the planarization layer and the auxiliary insulation layer disposed over the passivation layer, and an upper surface of the passivation layer may be a lower surface of the groove line.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitting display apparatus may further comprise an undercut area formed between the auxiliary insulation layer and a lateral surface of the planarization layer defining one side of the groove line, the self-emitting device disposed over the auxiliary insulation layer and the groove line may be isolated by the undercut area.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the dam may comprise a first dam pattern disposed over the passivation layer, a second dam pattern disposed over the first dam pattern, a third dam pattern disposed over the second dam pattern, a fourth dam pattern disposed over the third dam pattern, and an undercut area formed between the first dam pattern and the second dam pattern, and the self-emitting device disposed over the dam may be isolated by the undercut area.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the first dam pattern may comprise an inorganic insulating material, the second dam pattern may comprise an inorganic insulating material, the third dam pattern may comprise a metal material, and the fourth dam pattern may comprise an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitting display apparatus may further comprise a barrier structure configured to include at least one barrier pattern portion surrounding the dam, the self-emitting device disposed over the dam may be further isolated by the at least one barrier pattern portion.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one barrier pattern portion may comprise a first barrier pattern disposed over the passivation layer, a second barrier pattern disposed over the first barrier pattern, an undercut area formed between the first barrier pattern and the second barrier pattern, and the self-emitting device disposed over the barrier structure may be isolated by the undercut area.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the first barrier pattern may comprise an organic insulating material, and the second barrier pattern may comprise an inorganic insulating material.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitting display apparatus may further comprise a first pad part configured to include a plurality of first pads disposed at one periphery portion of the substrate, a wiring substrate configured to include a second pad part including a plurality of second pads overlapping each of the plurality of first pads, a coupling member disposed between the substrate and the wiring substrate, and a routing portion disposed at one lateral surface of each of the substrate and the wiring substrate and configured to include a plurality of routing lines to couple the plurality of first pads to the plurality of second pads in a one-to-one relationship.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the display area may be configured to include a plurality of pixels arranged over the substrate along a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction, a distance between a center portion of an outermost pixels of the plurality of pixels and an outer surface of the substrate may be half or less of a pixel pitch, and the pixel pitch may be a distance between center portions of two adjacent pixels to each other.

A multi-screen light emitting display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of display devices disposed along at least one direction of a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction, each of the plurality of display devices may comprise a light emitting display apparatus, and the light emitting display apparatus comprises a substrate configured to include a display area, a planarization layer disposed over the display area, a groove line disposed along a periphery portion of the substrate and configured to surround a lateral surface of the planarization layer, a dam configured to surround the groove line, a light emitting device layer configured to include a self-emitting device disposed over the planarization layer, the groove line, and the dam, and an encapsulation layer configured to include an organic encapsulation layer disposed over an encapsulation region surrounded by the dam, the organic encapsulation layer is configured to be filled in the groove line and is configured to surround a lateral surface of the light emitting device layer and the lateral surface of the planarization layer, and the self-emitting device is configured to be isolated at each of the groove line and the dam.

According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, in the light emitting display apparatus of each of the plurality of display devices, the display area may be configured to include a plurality of pixels arranged over the substrate along a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction, in a first display device and a second display device adjacent along the first direction and the second direction, a distance between a center portion of an outermost pixel of the first display device and a center portion of an outermost pixel of the second display device may be less than or equal to a pixel pitch, and the pixel pitch may be a distance between center portions of two adjacent pixels to each other.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosures. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure. 

1. A light emitting display apparatus comprising: a substrate having thereon a display area; a planarization layer disposed over the display area; a groove line disposed along a periphery portion of the substrate and surrounding a lateral surface of the planarization layer; a dam surrounding the groove line; a light emitting device layer including a self-emitting device disposed over the planarization layer, the groove line, and the dam; and an encapsulation layer including an organic encapsulation layer disposed over an encapsulation region surrounded by the dam, wherein the organic encapsulation layer is filled in the groove line and surrounds a lateral surface of the light emitting device layer and the lateral surface of the planarization layer, and wherein the self-emitting device is isolated at each of the groove line and the dam.
 2. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an interlayer insulation layer disposed over the substrate; and a passivation layer disposed between the interlayer insulation layer and the planarization layer, wherein the groove line is formed by removing all of the passivation layer and the planarization layer disposed over the interlayer insulation layer, and wherein a top surface of the interlayer insulation layer is a bottom surface of the groove line.
 3. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an undercut area formed between the planarization layer and a lateral surface of the passivation layer defining one side of the groove line, wherein the self-emitting device disposed over the planarization layer and the groove line is isolated by the undercut area.
 4. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 2, wherein the dam comprises: a first dam pattern disposed over the interlayer insulation layer; a second dam pattern disposed over the first dam pattern; a third dam pattern disposed over the second dam pattern; and an undercut area formed between the first dam pattern and the second dam pattern, and wherein the self-emitting device disposed over the dam is isolated by the undercut area.
 5. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first dam pattern comprises an inorganic insulating material, wherein the second dam pattern comprises an organic insulating material, and wherein the third dam pattern comprises an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material.
 6. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a barrier structure including at least one barrier pattern portion surrounding the dam, wherein the self-emitting device disposed over the dam is further isolated by the at least one barrier pattern portion.
 7. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one barrier pattern portion comprises: a first barrier pattern disposed over the interlayer insulation layer; a second barrier pattern disposed over the first barrier pattern; a third barrier pattern disposed over the second barrier pattern; and an undercut area formed between the first barrier pattern and the second barrier pattern, and wherein the self-emitting device disposed over the barrier structure is isolated by the undercut area.
 8. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first barrier pattern comprises an inorganic insulating material, wherein the second barrier pattern comprises a metal material, and wherein the third barrier pattern comprises an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material.
 9. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a pixel common voltage line electrically connected to a common electrode of the light emitting device layer disposed in the display area, wherein the second barrier pattern is electrically connected to the pixel common voltage line through a via hole formed at the first barrier pattern and the interlayer insulation layer.
 10. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an interlayer insulation layer disposed over the substrate; a passivation layer disposed between the interlayer insulation layer and the planarization layer; and an auxiliary insulation layer disposed between the planarization layer and the light emitting device layer, wherein the groove line is formed by removing all of the planarization layer and the auxiliary insulation layer disposed over the passivation layer, and wherein an upper surface of the passivation layer is a lower surface of the groove line.
 11. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an undercut area formed between the auxiliary insulation layer and a lateral surface of the planarization layer defining one side of the groove line, wherein the self-emitting device disposed over the auxiliary insulation layer and the groove line is isolated by the undercut area.
 12. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 10, wherein the dam comprises: a first dam pattern disposed over the passivation layer; a second dam pattern disposed over the first dam pattern; a third dam pattern disposed over the second dam pattern; a fourth dam pattern disposed over the third dam pattern; and an undercut area formed between the first dam pattern and the second dam pattern, and wherein the self-emitting device disposed over the dam is isolated by the undercut area.
 13. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first dam pattern comprises an inorganic insulating material, wherein the second dam pattern comprises an inorganic insulating material, wherein the third dam pattern comprises a metal material, and wherein the fourth dam pattern comprises an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material.
 14. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a barrier structure including at least one barrier pattern portion surrounding the dam, wherein the self-emitting device disposed over the dam is further isolated by the at least one barrier pattern portion.
 15. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one barrier pattern portion comprises: a first barrier pattern disposed over the passivation layer; a second barrier pattern disposed over the first barrier pattern; an undercut area formed between the first barrier pattern and the second barrier pattern, and wherein the self-emitting device disposed over the barrier structure is isolated by the undercut area.
 16. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first barrier pattern comprises an organic insulating material, and wherein the second barrier pattern comprises an inorganic insulating material.
 17. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first pad part includes a plurality of first pads disposed at one periphery portion of the substrate; a wiring substrate includes a second pad part including a plurality of second pads overlapping each of the plurality of first pads; a coupling member disposed between the substrate and the wiring substrate; and a routing portion disposed at one lateral surface of each of the substrate and the wiring substrate and includes a plurality of routing lines to couple the plurality of first pads to the plurality of second pads in a one-to-one relationship.
 18. The light emitting display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display area includes a plurality of pixels arranged over the substrate along a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction, wherein a distance between a center portion of an outermost pixels of the plurality of pixels and an outer surface of the substrate is half or less of a pixel pitch, and wherein the pixel pitch is a distance between center portions of two adjacent pixels to each other.
 19. A multi-screen light emitting display apparatus comprising: a plurality of display devices disposed along at least one direction of a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of display devices includes: a substrate having thereon a display area; a planarization layer disposed over the display area; a groove line disposed along a periphery portion of the substrate and surrounding a lateral surface of the planarization layer; a dam surrounding the groove line; a light emitting device layer including a self-emitting device disposed over the planarization layer, the groove line, and the dam; and an encapsulation layer including an organic encapsulation layer disposed over an encapsulation region surrounded by the dam, wherein the organic encapsulation layer is filled in the groove line and surrounds a lateral surface of the light emitting device layer and the lateral surface of the planarization layer, and wherein the self-emitting device is isolated at each of the groove line and the dam.
 20. The multi-screen light emitting display apparatus of claim 19, wherein in the light emitting display apparatus of each of the plurality of display devices, the display area includes a plurality of pixels arranged over the substrate along a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction, wherein in a first display device and a second display device adjacent along the first direction and the second direction, a distance between a center portion of an outermost pixel of the first display device and a center portion of an outermost pixel of the second display device is less than or equal to a pixel pitch, and wherein the pixel pitch is a distance between center portions of two adjacent pixels to each other. 